Maharashtra’s Opposition is set to take on the beleagured Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh explained before the Parliament that as the then (MoS) in the PMO Chavan had failed to take note of the corruption charges against former chief vigilance commissioner PJ Thomas.
Chavan has now passed the buck to the Kerala government on the grounds that it had granted vigilance clerance to Thomas. However, the Opposition Shiv Sena and BJP are not satisfied with Chavan’s clarification and alleged that he was equally responsible for the CVC’s appointment. Opposition parties have decided to rake up the issue during the ensuing budget session of the state legislature, starting March 14.
Now that Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan denying the state government’s role, has said he had informed the Centre on Thomas’ tainted past, the political battle over the issue is far from dying down.
Subhash Desai, Shiv Sena group leader in the state assembly told Business Standard: “The party will grill the Congress-led government on various issues and will not spare the chief minister for his role in Thomas’ appointment as the CVC and the S Band spectrum scandal. Our party chief Balasaheb Thackeray, at a recent meeting with party legislators, has told us to expose the state government’s misdeeds.”
Ironically, Chavan, who has not been able to decide on the best time to get elected to either of the state legislatures despite four months in office, has gone on the defensive. Chavan refuted the charges and said he had followed the required procedures while suggesting the names of candidates shortlisted for the CVC’s post.
However, there are few takers. An All India Congress Committee member, who did not want to be quoted, said: “Chavan did play a major role in his capacity as the minister of state. He cannot simply pass the buck on the Kerala government. Only Chavan can clarify on whose direction the shortlisting of Thomas was done overlooking the corruption charges.”
On the other hand, Congress ally NCP decided to stay away and has adopted a wait-and-watch policy. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar has asked his party ministers to cooperate with Chavan who he enjoys a clean image and administrative experience.
State BJP chief Sudhir Mungantiwar said his party will step up the attack against the CM during the budget session. “Corruption has reached its peak during the Congress-NCP rule. Change of guard has not made any difference. The party will take on the state government on issues relating to the oil mafia raj, nexsus between politicians and criminals and rampant corruption in housing and other sectors.”