Maharashtra minister Abdul Sattar says party colleague is among those behind allegations against him

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Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar on Saturday claimed that a leader from his own party was among those who instigated allegations of corruption against him.

Talking to Marathi news channel ABP Maza, Sattar, who did not name anyone, said he had complained to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde about the issue.

The minister, who belongs to the Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena, was targeted by the opposition during the just-concluded winter session of the state legislature after the Bombay High Court stayed his decision in a land dispute.

“I am being also held responsible for decisions which were not taken during my tenure…. A person from my own party is behind the allegations along with opposition people and other `well-wishers’ of mine,” Sattar said.

Confidential talks held at the chief minister’s residence were leaked and he had requested Shinde to look into this matter, he said.

“Some people are surprised that a member of the minority community has got such an important portfolio. They think they may get my ministry if I am gone. But I would not name anyone,” Sattar further said.

On the allegation that he passed an illegal order in a land dispute, he said, “I have given land (titles) to 19 families who were starving. They had proof of possession, and even other evidence was verified.”.

The Bombay High Court recently issued a notice to Sattar for regularising private possession of land reserved for public ‘gairan’ (grazing) in Washim district in the face of a civil court order. The HC also stayed the order, passed by Sattar when he was a minister in the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led government.