India, Nov. 7 -- This couldn't have come at a worse time for Ajit Pawar. Or a more convenient time for those who stand to gain at this crucial juncture.

With local body elections in Maharashtra kicking off on December 2, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief is clearly on the defensive. "Not even remotely connected to it," was all he could manage on Thursday.

"The transaction took place in May but it has found its way to the media only now, just ahead of the elections. It is difficult to believe it's just a coincidence. We are figuring out whether our friends are behind this, or foes. Either way, it's going to be a headache for Ajitdada," confided a senior NCP minister and close aide of Pawar.

This is the first controversy to tain...