Chavan rebuts ally NCP's criticism

State NCP chief Madhukar Pichad had said earlier in the day that the state government was not taking decisions. But Chavan said that his government had taken major decisions in sectors such as agriculture, industrial development and housing.

"You can compare the decisions taken during my tenure with other regimes," he said, talking to reporters.

"Earlier this week, we became the first state to pass the Housing Regulatory Authority Bill."

Chavan further said that his focus was on policy, and decisions which benefited an individual entity could be fewer.

"Global economic slow-down and RTI Act have made the civil servants cautious," he added, rejecting the allegation of tardy decision-making.

The Chief Minister also said that his equation with state NCP leaders was excellent. "Co-ordination committee meetings have taken place....If they are unhappy about specific decisions, they can discuss it with us," he said.

Chavan declined to comment on the stand-off between NCP and Congress at the Centre, only saying that "a clarification has come from Delhi".

To another question, Chavan said he was "delighted" at Rahul Gandhi's statement that he would play an active role in the party and the government from now on. "I whole-heartedly welcome his decision," he said, adding that Rahul's direct involvement will make a positive impact on Congress and the national politics.