My son will withdraw from Sambhajinagar hotel deal, says Maharashtra social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat

Time of India

2 days ago

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Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Amid mounting controversy over his son's role in the purchase of a hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra's social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat on Monday said his son, Siddhant, would withdraw from the deal to avoid further political mudslinging.
The announcement followed intense criticism from opposition figures, notably Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and Ambadas Danve, the leader of the opposition in the legislative council.
Talking to the media, Shirsat said, "For the past 10 days, there has been unnecessary controversy around the hotel deal. My son and his friend submitted a tender to purchase a hotel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which saw multiple failed auctions in the past.
This was the eighth attempt. They also paid the required amount. Despite the process being transparent, some people started making foolish statements."
Shirsat issued a stern warning to those who were personally targeting him by interfering with his son's business transaction.
Responding to Raut's allegations about the funding source and the property with a ready reckoner of over Rs 100 crore being sold for Rs 64 crore, Shirsat provided clarification.
He said the transaction was legitimate and transparent, with the actual amount being Rs 68 crore. "Let the deal be completed first, then talk. Everything will be clear. Understand the facts before levelling accusations," Shirsat said.
Shirsat strongly contested Raut's statements, suggesting he received incorrect information. "Raut was wrongly briefed. He now realises that the allegations made were incorrect.
I challenge him... if the hotel is worth Rs 100 crore, then let a fresh tender come out. I was ready to buy it for Rs 68 crore. Let someone else buy it for Rs 90 crore or Rs 100 crore and make a profit," he said.
Announcing his son's withdrawal, Shirsat said, "I told my son to step away from this deal. A new tender will be issued. Let someone else bid now."
Shirsat directly criticised Raut, saying, "You obstructed a Marathi youth trying to stand on his own feet. If you're going to be personal, I'll have to respond personally too. I have information about your personal life as well. Don't forget, I'm not afraid of setting fire to the house."
He concluded by saying that his name was being dragged into the controversy for political purposes. "Just because the name Sanjay Shirsat is involved, Raut started making noises," he said.