Chavan seeks Guvs directives on SIT changes

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has sought directives from Governor K Sankaranarayanan on the growing demand for changes in terms of reference of and appointment of two more candidates

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Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has sought directives from Governor K Sankaranarayanan on the growing demand for changes in terms of reference of and appointment of two more candidates on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) chaired by Madhav Chitale probing the multi-crore-rupee irrigation scam.

The possibility of adding two names to the SIT to avoid legal hassle is emerging,though NCP is opposed to changes in the team.

The government is also consulting the legal department.

Sources said,The state government cannot be adamant after Bombay High Court (HC) asked the Governor to exercise his special powers to amend the Chitale committee.

Opposition parties have decided to meet the Governor Thursday to demand changes in the SIT.

A senior CMO employee said,Its a matter between the court and Governor. How can the state government oppose recommendations that come from the Governor and that have the sanction of the courts?

A senior cabinet minister of Congress said,Chitales is essentially a fact-finding team. If there are demands from various quarters that scope of the committee should be extended and HC has given its order in the matter,the Cabinet cannot strike it down.

Last week,state BJP president Devendra Fadnavis had written to the Governor seeking to appoint additional members to and amend terms of reference of SIT.

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