Pune: Former home minister and senior NCP politician Dilip Walse Patil has refuted allegations linking him to a milk adulteration case, saying he would quit public life if charges levelled against him were proved.Walse Patil also threatened to initiate criminal proceedings and seek substantial damages for defamation against those making “false and politically motivated allegations.”Walse Patil, who is MLA of Ambegaon tehsil for the eighth consecutive time, said he had been involved in the dairy sector for decades, but was not part of any milk adulteration racket or illegal activities related to the business.The controversy comes against the backdrop of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepping up inspections of milk businesses. Action has reportedly been initiated against a few operators following inspections.“I will not even take a minute to withdraw from public life if the allegations against me are proved,” he said in a video note. He said his political opponents were trying to malign him and create political difficulties by making baseless accusations. The MLA said attempts were being made to unnecessarily link him with the ongoing FDA action and create a political narrative around the issue.Walse Patil said neither he nor any person or organisation associated with him was connected with milk adulteration activities. “The FDA and police administration are competent enough to take stringent action against those found violating the law. Those responsible for badmouthing me will have to face the consequences if allegations are proved false,” he said, adding: “I will approach the high court with criminal proceedings and make a claim for substantial monetary damages for defamation.”Walse Patil said he had been restrained so far, but would no longer remain silent if the campaign against him continued. He reiterated that he was confident that the truth would ultimately prevail and transparent legal action should be taken against anyone found responsible for adulterating milk.Meanwhile, his rival and district president of NCP (SP) Devdutta Nikam told TOI: “Those running these dairies are close associates of Walse Patil and have been working with him for years. The MLA should be raising questions on adulterated milk and related health issues as a public representative in the assembly, but he is not. Our allegations are not about financial irregularities. We are talking about the operations.”
