Pawar denies DB Realty link

The BJP on Thursday asked the government to verify claims by corporate lobbyist Niira Radia linking union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar to the 2G scam-tainted DB Realty, but the NCP chief dismissed the allegations. Pawar controls DB Realty: Radia

The BJP on Thursday asked the government to verify claims by corporate lobbyist Niira Radia linking union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar to the 2G scam-tainted DB Realty, but the NCP chief dismissed the allegations.

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Radia had told the CBI about perceptions that Pawar might be controlling DB Realty and may have pursued the issue of spectrum and licence for Swan Telecom with former telecom minister A Raja.

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said if Pawar’s name has cropped up in the case, authorities should verify the claim and also seek clarifications from the minister.

“I am not associated with Swan Telecom in any way. Neither had I recommended anybody for issuance of license. I deal with agriculture ministry and have nothing to do with other departments,” Pawar told HT on phone from Baramati.

But Pawar acknowledged close family ties with KM Goenka, father of Vinod Goenka, who is a partner of Shahid Balwa, a director of DB Realty and a promoter of Swan Telecom.

Pawar’s ally Congress distanced itself from the controversy. “Since the person concerned has given an elaborate reaction in the matter, it would not be proper for anyone to say anything.... It is not necessary to say anything,” party spokesman Manish Tewari said.

Pawar said people could decide how much credence should be lent to a person, “who is under scanner and whose credentials are being questioned”.