States » WestPosted at: Nov 4 2026 6:26PM


Rohit Pawar alleges massive corruption in Nashik Kumbh Mela works, warns of exposing 8,000 crore irregularities

Mumbai, Nov 4 (UNI) NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar has raised serious questions over the expenditure and execution of infrastructure projects being undertaken for the 2026 Nashik Kumbh Mela, alleging large-scale corruption in the name of the religious event.
He questioned how projects worth Rs 35,000 crore were being implemented when the work on the ground did not appear to justify such a massive expenditure.
Pawar said several roads that were in good condition had been dug up in the name of development, causing inconvenience to citizens. He also referred to the deaths of 15 to 16 people during the monsoon while travelling on roads, alleging that Nashik residents had raised concerns over corruption in ongoing development works.
"We want development work to be carried out, but there should be no corruption. We also visit temples and are devotees of Lord Ram, the Ganga and the Godavari. However, we will not tolerate corruption being committed in the name of religion," he said.
Pawar questioned where projects worth Rs 35,000 crore were actually being executed and announced that he would seek a detailed account of the expenditure. Referring to his visit to the Maha Kumbh, he said nearly 16 crore people had attended the event in a single day, while the reported expenditure was around 7,000 crore.
He questioned the rationale behind the much higher allocation for Nashik.
He also expressed concern over the pollution of the Godavari, stating that devotees and saints visiting Nashik during the Kumbh Mela should be able to access clean river water. He demanded the construction of a downstream barrage and warned that industrial pollution could pose serious health risks to pilgrims.
Pawar gave the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the Pollution Control Department 20 days to take action against companies allegedly discharging chemical waste into water bodies. He warned that failure to act would invite serious consequences.
The MLA said he had written to the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector and Kumbh Mela Commissioner seeking details of the projects and their expenditure. Claiming that he had information about financial irregularities, he said every rupee spent would be accounted for.
He further alleged that certain officials had been instructed by state minister Girish Mahajan not to share information about the projects. Pawar gave the authorities 10 days to provide the required details, warning that he would intensify his campaign if the information was withheld.
He also alleged that trees planted under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives had been felled and questioned how some officials had subsequently acquired the financial resources to establish hotels. He said these matters would also be investigated.
Targeting Mahajan, Pawar questioned why officials from Jalgaon had been brought in to handle Nashik's development projects and whether local officers were incapable of executing the work. He alleged that people close to the minister were involved in corruption worth 7,000 crore to 8,000 crore and vowed to expose the alleged irregularities. He also raised questions over reports of a lavish property being constructed in Noida and the source of funds for it.
Pawar further alleged that the ring road project had been undertaken without obtaining the necessary permissions and that farmers affected by the project had not received adequate compensation.
Expressing disappointment over the alleged neglect of religious traditions, he said the name of Sant Nivruttinath Maharaj had not been included in the programme despite the use of saints' and religious figures' names for political purposes. He alleged that little expenditure was being made in their honour.
Pawar also demanded government jobs for the families of those who lost their lives in accidents caused by potholes. He reiterated that development for the Kumbh Mela was necessary but insisted that transparency, accountability and public safety must remain the government's priorities.
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