Ready to take up any responsibility, says Prithviraj Chavan

Congress party to soon send observers to know views of legislators on leadership change

Congress party's move to remove Prithviraj Chavan as the Maharashtra chief minister was confirmed by him today. Chavan said he was reading it in media although there has been no communication from the high command. However, Chavan said he was ready to accept whatever responsibility is given to him by the high command.

''Party high command's decision will be final and I am prepared to take up whatever responsibility is given to me. Till high command's decision I will continue to vigorously work and discharge my duties as the state chief minister,'' Chavan said at the sideline of a function in Pune.

Chavan, who has been under attack from Congress and NCP ministers and leader for his style of functioning, is expected to be replaced by Gandhi family loyalist and former union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde.

Incidentally, Shinde enjoys good rapport from various factions of the Congress party and more importantly he is acceptable to NCP.

Meanwhile, Congress party is expected to soon send its observers to know the views of legislators before the removal of Prithviraj Chavan as the Maharashtra chief minister and appointment of his successor. Former union ministers and veteran party leaders AK Antony and Gulam Nabi Azad are likely to visit the city in the near future.

Congress party sources told Business Standard ''Observers will hold discussions with party legislators on the Congress debacle in Maharashtra in general election and what will be party's prospects in the coming assembly poll if Chavan leads the party.

Further, observers will also ask the party legislators to explain the need for Chavan's removal with the appointment of leader who can lead the party and take all groups together in the assembly poll. Observers will also seek views on the appointment of new state unit chief replacing incumbent Manikrao Thakre,'' sources said.