NCP opposes ‘changes’ to Chitale panel

Sources in the NCP said,“The cabinet has every right to exercise its executive powers in dismissing the Bombay High Court’s preliminary suggestion to incorporate two more members — to be recommended by the gorvernor — in the existing committee.”

Sources in Raj Bhawan said,“The governor has not taken a formal view on matter yet.”

With the monsoon session starting Monday,a meeting between Chavan and the governor on the issue is likely to happen next week. Sources in the CMO said,“Chavan will have to seek consensus in the cabinet before giving consent to altering the existing Chitale committee.”

A senior NCP minister said,“We don’t want to comment on court observations. However,there is no question of altering the committee. It worked for six months and got a six-month extension to complete its report. The cabinet and state legislature have clearly spelled out the parameters. Any move to alter the same would raise questions on the sanctity of their executive powers.”

However,BJP has decided to pursue the matter. BJP state president Devendra Fadnavis said,“Chavan has betrayed Opposition. He had promised us a SIT to probe the scam would be formed under the Commission of Inquiry Act but failed to keep his word under pressure from NCP. The present committee is toothless. The government should at least reconstitute the committee now.”

Leader of the Opposition in the Council Vinod Tawde said,“The government should dissolve and reconstitute the committee,which should have a serving IPS officer. The purpose of the SIT is defeated if individuals are not allowed to be probed. At present,it is just a fact-finding team.”