KKN Gurugram Desk |  In a startling political revelation, Sharad Pawar, veteran politician and chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), claimed on Saturday that he had warned the UPA government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, about the potential misuse of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to Pawar, his warnings were ignored, and the very law he cautioned against has now become a tool to target political adversaries.

This statement has come at a time when several opposition leaders across India are facing prolonged investigations and arrests under PMLA, raising concerns over political vendetta and selective application of law.

 What Sharad Pawar Said

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Pawar stated:

“When the UPA government was in power, I had warned Dr. Manmohan Singh and other senior cabinet members that the provisions in PMLA were vague and could be misused. Unfortunately, my concerns were dismissed. Today, the same law is being used to send people to jail without conviction.”

Pawar’s comments have added new weight to the ongoing debate over whether PMLA has evolved from being an anti-corruption framework into a political weapon.

 Understanding the PMLA: What the Law Was Meant For

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was enacted in 2002, but came into force in 2005 during the UPA regime. It was originally intended to:

• Track and prevent money laundering activities

• Combat financial crimes linked to terrorism and narcotics

• Empower agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate and confiscate proceeds of crime

However, over the years, several amendments have strengthened the ED’s powers, making arrests easier and bail harder — even without formal charges or convictions.

 Pawar’s Role During UPA Era: Why His Statement Matters

Sharad Pawar was a key ally in the UPA coalition, holding the Agriculture Ministry from 2004 to 2014. His close association with the highest levels of decision-making lends credibility to his statement.

Political analysts believe his warning being ignored shows a lack of foresight within the UPA regime, which is now being used against the same political class that enacted it.

 Recent Cases Highlighting PMLA’s Use Against Opposition

Pawar’s remarks come amid a wave of PMLA investigations against opposition leaders in states like:

• Delhi: AAP leaders like Manish Sisodia face ED action in liquor policy cases

• Jharkhand: Former CM Hemant Soren was arrested under PMLA

• Tamil Nadu: DMK leaders under scrutiny

• Maharashtra: NCP and Shiv Sena leaders face summons and raids

In each case, opposition parties have accused the central government of misusing ED and PMLA to weaken political opponents ahead of elections.

 Why Pawar Chose to Speak Now

Sharad Pawar’s disclosure appears strategic. With general elections approaching in 2026 and the INDIA bloc of opposition parties struggling with internal unity, Pawar’s statement could be a:

• Warning to the Congress and allies about their past decisions

• Attempt to revive discourse on judicial overreach and civil liberties

• Signal to youth and voters that structural reforms are needed in Indian democracy

Political insiders suggest Pawar is also trying to position himself as the conscience-keeper of the opposition, someone who foresaw the misuse of laws but was not heard.

Legal Experts Weigh In: Misuse or Legal Enforcement?

Legal scholars have repeatedly questioned the broad powers granted to the ED under PMLA, especially after the Supreme Court’s 2022 judgment which upheld many of the ED’s powers.

Critics argue:

• PMLA allows arrest without filing an FIR

• No provision for anticipatory bail

• Accused must prove innocence — contrary to natural justice

“It’s a reversal of jurisprudence — guilty until proven innocent,” said senior advocate Indira Jaising.

 How PMLA Has Been Amended Over Time

These changes have made the law tougher than even anti-terror laws, say activists.

 Political Implications Ahead of 2026 Elections

With multiple opposition leaders under the ED’s radar, the opposition is painting a picture of “undeclared emergency”. Sharad Pawar’s statement could now:

• Reignite demand for judicial review of PMLA

• Galvanize opposition unity under the INDIA bloc

• Put pressure on Congress to publicly accept and acknowledge past policy mistakes

It also raises questions about whether the next government (if non-BJP) will consider rolling back or amending PMLA to make it more accountable and citizen-friendly.

 Is This Pawar’s Attempt to Rewrite His Legacy?

Sharad Pawar is one of India’s most seasoned politicians. At 83, with four decades in politics, his latest remarks are also about framing his legacy. He may be:

• Distancing himself from authoritarian policies

• Seeking to align with civil rights advocates and liberal voices

• Highlighting his own independent thinking within UPA

“History will judge who enabled the machinery of oppression. I had warned them, but they didn’t listen,” Pawar’s tone implies.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, once hailed as a landmark law to tackle black money, now finds itself at the center of India’s democratic and constitutional debate. Sharad Pawar’s statement is a reminder of how laws, if unchecked, can become instruments of suppression.

Whether the current government addresses these concerns or continues down the same path may define the tone of India’s democracy in the coming decade.