Rohit Pawar Slams ED Action in MSCB Scam Case as “Vendetta Politics” Amid Intensifying Legal and Political Battle

Introduction: Political Heat Intensifies in MSCB Controversy

The political landscape in Maharashtra has once again been shaken as Rohit Pawar, a sitting MLA from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and grandnephew of party patriarch Sharad Pawar, finds himself in the crosshairs of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The central agency has named him in a chargesheet connected to the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) scam, reviving a politically sensitive case that has long been viewed through a partisan lens.

Calling the allegations "baseless" and "politically motivated," Rohit Pawar has vowed to fight the charges legally and publicly, describing the development as a clear act of vendetta politics targeting opposition voices ahead of crucial state and national elections.

This development not only marks a critical moment for the Pawar family's political legacy but also raises broader concerns about the use of investigative agencies in political battles—a recurring theme in contemporary Indian politics.

The MSCB Scam: A Brief Background

The Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam dates back to allegations of financial irregularities in the early 2000s and 2010s involving improper loan disbursements, undervaluation of assets, and violation of banking norms in granting credit to sugar mills and other cooperative institutions across the state.

In 2019, the Mumbai High Court directed the ED to investigate the matter after the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) registered a preliminary enquiry based on a PIL. The probe uncovered multiple instances of alleged corruption, including fraudulently issued loans, undervalued sale of assets, and procedural violations—estimated to have caused a loss of over ₹25,000 crore to the exchequer.

Though the initial FIR did not name any individuals, subsequent probes slowly brought senior leaders under scrutiny, including Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, and now Rohit Pawar.

Why Rohit Pawar is Now in the Spotlight

The ED’s latest chargesheet has accused Rohit Pawar of being “a direct beneficiary” of financial mismanagement in his role as a director in Baramati-based sugar cooperative firms that were allegedly involved in the misappropriation of bank funds.

According to ED sources, Pawar is believed to have played a key role in facilitating transactions and acquiring assets linked to undervalued deals. The chargesheet further alleges that some of these sugar mills were either controlled or indirectly linked to family-run firms that benefited from the skewed financial practices of the MSCB.

However, Rohit Pawar has denied all allegations, stating:

"This is a desperate attempt to malign my image and that of my party. The ED’s actions are clearly timed to create political headlines before the elections. I have full faith in the judiciary and will cooperate fully."

Political Reactions: A Divided Maharashtra

The inclusion of Rohit Pawar in the MSCB case has sparked a political storm in Maharashtra. Sharad Pawar, the founder of the NCP and one of India's most seasoned political figures, described the charges as a continuation of efforts to target opposition parties through central agencies.

In a press interaction, Sharad Pawar remarked:

"What we are seeing is not justice but an instrument of suppression. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last. The people of Maharashtra understand the game being played."

Leaders from the Congress party and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction have also expressed solidarity with Rohit Pawar. They allege that the ruling BJP-led government at the Centre is weaponizing institutions like the ED to destabilize political opponents and erode public trust in opposition leadership.

In contrast, BJP spokespersons have defended the ED’s investigation, asserting that “no one is above the law” and that corruption must be tackled, regardless of political affiliation. Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis stated,

"It’s not vendetta. It’s vigilance. If there is wrongdoing, it will not be overlooked, whether it’s the opposition or even within our own ranks."

Legal Strategy and Public Campaign

Sources close to Rohit Pawar have confirmed that his legal team is preparing to challenge the chargesheet in court, arguing that no concrete financial trail links him directly to any crime.

Additionally, the NCP (SP) faction has launched a social media and ground-level campaign to project the case as part of a broader pattern of political persecution. Posters, hashtags, and public meetings are being organized to mobilize support, especially in the party's stronghold of Baramati and other parts of western Maharashtra.

The legal response will likely hinge on proving the lack of mens rea (criminal intent), pointing out that many of the decisions made during Rohit Pawar’s tenure on cooperative boards were collective in nature and followed then-prevailing policy guidelines.

Broader Context: Central Agencies and Regional Politics

The MSCB case, and Rohit Pawar’s entanglement in it, is not an isolated development. Over the past few years, central investigative agencies such as the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department have opened cases or conducted raids against numerous leaders from regional and opposition parties—in states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Telangana.

Critics argue that this growing pattern reflects a disturbing centralization of power, where institutions meant to act independently are allegedly being used as tools of coercion. Such developments, they say, erode public faith not only in political fairness but also in the impartiality of the justice system.

In Maharashtra, the implications are particularly significant. The state has seen frequent shifts in power, splits in party leadership, and a volatile coalition atmosphere. The MSCB case could, therefore, have ripple effects in the upcoming state assembly elections in 2026, as well as in national parliamentary elections.

The Pawar Legacy: A Political Dynasty Under Pressure

The Pawar family, long seen as a pillar of Maharashtra’s political establishment, is now navigating one of its most turbulent phases. With Ajit Pawar aligning with the BJP in recent years and Sharad Pawar forming a splinter faction, the MSCB charges bring new tension to an already divided house.

Rohit Pawar, seen by many as a rising star within the Sharad Pawar-led faction, has gained popularity for his youthful energy, grassroots engagement, and sharp political acumen. The recent charges now place him in a make-or-break scenario—one that could either catapult him into higher public recognition or permanently damage his credibility.

For supporters of NCP(SP), the charges may rally emotional support and draw sympathy. For critics, it raises serious questions about transparency in cooperative banking structures and familial dominance in public institutions.

Conclusion: Justice or Political Manoeuvring?

As the legal proceedings begin and political campaigns intensify, the people of Maharashtra will watch closely to determine the credibility of the ED’s charges, the response of the courts, and the conduct of politicians across the spectrum.

Is this case about bringing justice in a long-pending banking scandal? Or is it another instance of vendetta politics, where investigations are shaped more by vote banks than evidence?

Rohit Pawar’s next moves—both in court and in public—will shape not just his political future, but also serve as a bellwether for the health of India’s democratic institutions in the face of increasing executive power.