Maha Opposition for comprehensive mandate of SIT panel

"As far as terms of reference is concerned, the SIT should be asked to investigate the allegations of corruption, role of ministers concerned, the issuance of mobilisation advance, jacking-up of project cost etc and also functioning of all irrigation corporations," said Leader of Opposition in Assembly Eknath Khadse.

The SIT probe was announced by Water Resources Minister Sunil Tatkare today, a little over a fortnight after a government 'White Paper' gave a virtual clean chit to senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, paving the way for his return as Deputy Chief Minister earlier this month.

"The SIT probe will be headed by Madhav Chitaley, an irrigation expert, and the terms and references of the probe would be finalised by December 31," Tatkare told the House.

Even as the government has bowed to pressure from Opposition, which stalled the proceedings of ongoing winter session for five days, the government's efforts to buy peace are likely to meet with resistance with the BJP demanding resignation of Ajit Pawar on "propriety".

"During NDA rule, the ministers under investigations, Shobhatai Fadnavis, Shashikant Sutar and Mahadeorao Khadse were divested of their portfolios. We had agreed to demand of then Opposition Congress and expect that the same should be applicable now," Khadse told reporters in the evening.

Terming the announcement of setting up the SIT as a "victory to united Opposition", the BJP leader said the "SIT should be a four-member body comprising an expert member from Finance Department, besides a qualified technical person and a legal expert of repute".

He demanded that the state government should notify the 'terms of references' before the winter session ends.