Opposition targets Chavan over scams

A section of the Congress party and the Opposition parties in Maharashtra have launched a scathing attack on chief minister Prithviraj Chavan over alleged corruption and malpractices, especially in the ministries led by him, and slow pace of decision-making.  

Opposition parties, which have so far been firing salvos against the Congress’ partner Nationalist Congress Party over various scams, have slammed Chavan and the urban development department he holds for recent decisions allegedly favouring builders' lobby.

Chavan, who claims that he does not personally clear files, but gives priority to public expenses in general, has so far not countered his critics. He is expected to clarify his position in the legislature during the ongoing budget session. Chavan, who turned 67 on Sunday, was not available for comment. The chief minister’s public relations office declined to offer any comment on the allegations levelled against him.

Party spokesman Ratnakar Mahajan told Business Standard: “It’s the job of the opposition to make charges, but it does not mean that the opposition will succeed in their game plan.”

The Opposition claimed a huge amount of money has been transacted to clear files pertaining to change of land reservation, increase in floor space index to some five-star hotels in Mumbai and also the special township policy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in the state assembly, Eknath Khadse, alleged the chief minister was leading a Cabinet of “tainted ministers”. BJP legislator Ashish Shelar said nearly 669 acres were thrown open following the changes in the land reservation done by the urban development department.

On the other hand, some Congress leaders from the state, including legislators and former ministers, during their recent representations to the party vice-president, Rahul Gandhi, questioned the way of functioning of the state government. The obvious target was Chavan, who, they alleged, had failed to appoint even special executive officers and chiefs of at least 22 state-run corporations and boards under the Congress quota since he took over in November 2010.

A former minister has said Chavan should not be happy with his ‘Mr Clean’ image alone as he needs to be effective in handling the matters relating to the government.