Maharashtra BJP alleges delay in probing Rs 70,000-crore scam

Alleging "delay" in the probe of the Rs 70,000-crore irrigation scam, the BJP sought a clarification from Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan if the government had indeed stated in its affidavit to court that the committee probing the matter may accept evidence related to the scam.
"I had written a letter to state advocate general Darius Khambatta asking him that if the government had submitted an affidavit in court that the committee probing the matter may accept evidence related to the scam from anybody, then why is the Chitale committee not accepting the evidence which I want to submit," Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Vinod Tawde of the BJP, told reporters.

He alleged that the state government is not supporting him to unearth the scam.
"I don't know is any such directions were given to the committee headed by water expert Madhavrao Chitale by the Maharashtra government," he said.
"I have the evidence on how the scam took place and related documents on the subsequent cost escalation in various irrigation projects," Tawde said.
The BJP leader alleged that the ruling Congress-NCP legislators delayed holding a debate on the irrigation scam in the Maharashtra Legislative Council and tried to wriggle out of the situation.
If the government is responsible for the scam, then whosoever is trying to cover it up is also equally responsible, he said.