Pune: Congress candidate from Kasba Peth assembly constituency, Ravindra Dhangekar, faces allegations from BJP leader Ganesh Bidkar, who claims that Dhangekar’s wife and associates have encroached on a 17,300 square foot Wakf Board property on Pune’s Laxmi Road.

The Wakf Board, headquartered in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, recently ruled that the land belongs to the Wakf Board, prompting demands for the structure’s demolition and legal action.

In a press briefing, Bidkar alleged that Dhangekar leveraged his political influence to pressure local residents and officials, securing control of the land for personal gain.

The contested property was reportedly donated to the Wakf Board by Dr. Mahmadkhan Karimkhan in 1935, with a condition that it be used for the welfare of the Muslim community.

However, the plot reportedly changed hands over the years, leading Rasul Ansar Chittari to petition the board. On October 7, the board confirmed its claim to the property.

Bidkar claimed that despite this, construction of a six-story building has continued, with an estimated transaction value of ₹100 crore.

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) City Engineer Prashant Waghmare confirmed that, acting on the Wakf Board’s order, the PMC has issued a suspension notice to the construction firm and warned of further action if the work proceeds.

Utkarsh Associates, the development firm, denies the allegations, contending that the PMC halted work without verifying the Wakf Board’s order. They have since filed an appeal with the Wakf Tribunal.

In response, Dhangekar stated, “This is not Wakf land, and I am the sixth owner of the property. The officer who issued this order overstepped his authority. The claims are politically motivated, encouraged by Devendra Fadnavis.

Though the property is under my wife’s name, dragging my family into this is improper. If any wrongdoing of even ₹100 on my part is proven, I will retire from politics.”