Balance-sheets of companies of Tatkare, state water resources minister, have increased after he took over charge of the department in 2009, PWP leader Jayant Patil told reporters here and demanded a probe into the issue.
Alluding to Tatkare "misusing" the fund meant for irrigation works in the state, Patil, a known detractor of the NCP leader in Raigad district politics, said a probe needs to be conducted about the income source of the Tatkare family in purchase of 519 acres in the district.
"After Tatkare took charge of irrigation department, the balance-sheets of the companies have increased. Even land purchase increased," Patil said, adding a person cannot purchase more than 54 acres of agricultural land under the Land Ceiling Act.
The PWP leader said he met Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in this connection thrice.
Meanwhile, Tatkare described Patil's allegations as baseless and politically motivated and threatened to sue Patil for defamation. "I am exploring legal options," he said.
