A day after BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar demanded inquiry into NCP supremo Sharad Pawar’s alleged role in the allotment of Patra Chawl redevelopment work to a company linked to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, the former Union minister challenged the government to begin the probe as early possible and punish the accuser if the allegation against him are proved false.

Assisted by former housing minister Jitendra Ahwad, Pawar produced documents including the minutes of a meeting held on August 14, 2006. Awhad said the minutes signed by the then housing secretary have recorded that Pawar had not passed any order. He read out particular excerpts in this regard. “The BJP has been spreading lies and twisting facts,” Awhad said. Pawar said he would never say no to an inquiry, “but if the charges made against me are proved false, the government should tell what will be done to the accuser.”