Key Points:
- NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar alleges Maharashtra government waived ₹94.68 crore fine imposed on Megha Engineering for illegal mining
- Fine originally imposed in multiple cases reduced to just ₹17.28 lakh (1% of original amount) in one instance
- Megha Engineering donated ₹584 crore to BJP through electoral bonds, making it the party’s largest corporate donor
- Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule denies waiver claims, says fine was only “stayed” not waived
- Seized machinery worth crores returned to company after depositing minimal amount
- Social media war erupts between opposition MLA and ruling party minister over documentary evidence
Mumbai: A major political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra over allegations that the state government provided massive financial relief to Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), the BJP’s largest corporate donor through the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme.
Opposition Raises Serious Questions in Assembly
During the Maharashtra Assembly session, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar questioned Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule about the alleged waiver of ₹94.68 crore in fines imposed on MEIL for illegal mineral extraction. The controversy centers around multiple cases of unauthorized excavation during road construction projects in Jalna and Satara districts.
Pawar accused the government of showing discriminatory treatment, stating that while common farmers face strict penalties for minor violations, large corporations receive “dumper return with bumper discount” treatment. He highlighted the stark contrast between the Revenue Department’s approach toward small-scale violators versus major corporate entities.
Documentary Evidence Surfaces
The political battle intensified when Pawar produced official assembly documents dated July 11, 2025, containing Bawankule’s own written responses to questions raised by BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar. These documents revealed that while district authorities had imposed fines totaling ₹94.68 crore across multiple cases, the company was allowed to settle by paying minimal amounts.
In one case, the additional district collector of Jalna imposed a fine of ₹38.70 crore, while the Partur tehsildar levied ₹55.98 crore for illegal excavation during construction of roads on Shegaon and Pandharpur pilgrimage routes. However, the company successfully secured relief by depositing just ₹17.28 lakh—approximately 1% of one penalty—and subsequently got its seized machinery returned.
Satara Case Adds to Controversy
Pawar also highlighted another instance from Satara district, where MEIL faced allegations of illegal digging during the construction of the Satara to Mhaswad road. Local officials had initially imposed a ₹105 crore fine and seized the company’s machinery and bank accounts. However, following the government change in June 2022, the company allegedly received significant relief in December 2022.
Minister’s Defense Strategy
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule strongly denied the waiver allegations, emphasizing that “a stay on recovery is not a waiver”. He clarified that the fines were imposed by District Magistrates of Jalna and Parbhani for illegal mining activities, and that 16 vehicles were seized in Khatav tehsil of Satara district on August 11, 2022, for illegal mineral transportation.
Bawankule accused Pawar of misleading the public and using social media for political mileage instead of raising issues through proper legislative channels. The minister maintained that no actual waiver was granted, only procedural stays were implemented.
Electoral Bonds Connection Intensifies Debate
The controversy gains additional significance given MEIL’s status as the second-largest purchaser of electoral bonds worth ₹966 crore between 2019 and 2024. The company and its subsidiaries donated a total of ₹584 crore to the BJP, ₹195 crore to BRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi), and ₹85 crore to DMK.
This massive corporate donation pattern has raised questions about potential quid pro quo arrangements, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared electoral bonds unconstitutional due to possibilities of favoritism.
Multiple Legal Setbacks for MEIL
The fine waiver controversy comes amid other legal challenges for MEIL. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) recently cancelled a major contract awarded to the company after rival bidder L&T successfully challenged the tender process in the Supreme Court. This cancellation involved significant infrastructure projects including elevated roads and tunnel construction in Mumbai.
Additionally, the company faces seven other pending cases filed by the Partur tehsildar, indicating sustained regulatory scrutiny of its operations in Maharashtra.
Political Implications and Future Actions
Pawar has announced his intention to raise this matter during the upcoming winter assembly session, demanding the revival of original penalty orders. He continues to question what he terms the special “bond” between the Revenue Department and Megha Engineering that resulted in such unprecedented relief.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about corporate accountability, political funding transparency, and equitable enforcement of mining regulations across different sections of society. With assembly elections approaching, this issue is likely to remain a significant talking point in Maharashtra’s political discourse.
The case highlights the ongoing debate over the relationship between corporate donations and government policy decisions, particularly in the context of the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme that the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional.
