Ajit Pawar Sparks Row with Claim That Hinjewadi IT Park Is Drifting to Other States

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has stirred political controversy with his stark warning that Pune’s prominent Hinjewadi IT Park is gradually losing ground to tech hubs in other states like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

During an unannounced 6 a.m. inspection in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawar, who also serves as Pune’s guardian minister, expressed frustration over local civic issues and warned of a growing exodus of IT companies from Maharashtra. A video of his remarks has since gone viral on social media, igniting heated debate.

“We are finished. The entire Hinjewadi IT Park is relocating, leaving Pune and Maharashtra for Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Is anyone even bothered?” Pawar said in conversation with a local sarpanch, Ganesh Jambhulkar, while reviewing persistent complaints of waterlogging and crumbling infrastructure in the region.

The comments came during his second visit to the area in a week, following mounting grievances from residents—particularly IT professionals—over traffic chaos, power outages, and inadequate civic amenities in and around the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park.

As Jambhulkar voiced concerns in front of reporters, Pawar cut in sharply: “Temples get submerged when dams are built. Say what you want—I’ll listen—but I’ll act as I see fit.” Pawar also questioned the need for early morning field visits, telling the media, “This can’t continue. Tough decisions must be made.” He then asked cameras to be turned off.

Later, Pawar shared footage of the visit on social media platform X, promising action: “Change is coming, every problem of Puneites will be solved..!”

Developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), the 2,800-acre Hinjewadi IT Park houses more than 200 companies and contributes over 60% of Maharashtra’s IT exports. However, concerns over its future have grown amid claims of declining infrastructure.

Pawar’s remarks come amid opposition allegations that Maharashtra is losing its competitive edge in the tech sector. Last year, the Hinjewadi Industries Association (HIA) claimed that at least 37 companies had exited the park due to worsening civic conditions.

Earlier this month, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also chaired a high-level meeting to address the region’s infrastructure crisis and assured prompt remedial measures.

Pawar’s comments have intensified scrutiny over the state government’s ability to retain major IT investments and protect Maharashtra’s standing as a leading tech destination.