Eknath Khadse denied information, slams own government for delay

Mumbai: The BJP led government was slammed on Friday in the Assembly by its own senior member and former minister Eknath Khadse for denying a piece of information to him related to the industries department. He lashed at the government asking what exactly it was trying to hide by not giving the information.

Khadse said, “I have been demanding some information from the past two assembly sessions. However, I haven’t received any reply. I had asked about a government resolution of 1995 related to the MIDC land. Please tell me what exactly is stopping you from giving the information to me? Is there any secret in the information?”

Supporting the demand by Khadse, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that it was surprising that a ruling party member was denied the information. “When we seek information we are denied. Now that a ruling party member is seeking information since the past one year, he has not been given it. We will bring breach of privileged motion next time for withholding information,” Pawar added.

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) had objected to the sale of a Bhosari plot in 2010 — bought by then revenue minister Eknath Khadse’s family members — claiming the land was in its possession.

In a letter sent to regional revenue officer dated January 12, 2010, MIDC had clearly mentioned that the land could not be sold to any party.

However, Mr Khadse’s wife and son-in-law purchased the same land in 2016.  Later, the controversy intensified and Khadse had to resign from the post.