The Uddhav Thackeray led Maharashtra government has allocated a 51 hectare plot worth Rs 10 crore to Sharad Pawar led Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) at a nominal rate despite objections from the state Revenue and Finance department, Indian Express has reported.

The plot is located in Maharashtra’s Jalna was originally meant to be a state seed farm but VSI had sought to acquire the land parcel to expand its educational and research activities.

Since then the Revenue department had argued against the allocation on a concessional basis, citing a 1997 Supreme Court ruling and was supported by the Finance department which also contended that the land should only be allocated at market rates.

The state Advocate General too had submitted an opinion in this regard which was ignored by the Uddhav Thackeray led government.

After overruling the objections and approving the land allocation, the Uddhav Thackery led cabinet has instructed the Revenue department (which is in possession of the land) to consult with the law department and insert conditions before allocating the land.