Asked why then was the land leased out to the society, Jadhav, now posted in Nagpur, said, “Because it was reserved for the institute in the city’s development plan.”

Jadhav’s approval letter mentions that the approval for the project was pending in the High Court since land wasn’t available for the project.

“Now it has been leased out to the institute by the government. And the go-ahead for the project doesn’t violate the HC interim order in that the site is unaltered and funds haven’t been diverted,” said Jadhav.

His order further mentions that the approval is subject to final disposal of Abhiruchi’s writ by the High Court. Asked what if the court expresses reservations on the government’s move to lease the land to Shekhawat’s institute, Jadhav said: “The government has the liberty to withdraw the lease. But, ideally, if the petitioner’s grievance is resolved, it withdraws the petition in which case the court may not say anything further.”

Jadhav said the project will not be used exclusively by Shekhawat’s college. “Since it is a government-owned project, it will be open for use by all citizens of Amravati.”

Patil’s son Raosaheb Shekhawat declined to comment. “You may contact Jayanthi Natarajan in AICC for the comment,” he said. Natarajan, however, wasn’t available despite repeated attempts.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi denied any wrongdoing on Patil’s part saying that “funds utilised under MPLADS are audited and submitted to the Comptroller & Auditor General of India”.

... contd.