Tags:
Journalism of Courage
MUMBAI, Sept 23: Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi today ruled out dropping the Social Welfare Minister Babanrao Gholap from the State Cabinet.
Speaking to mediapersons after the release of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, who has again asserted that Gholap is guilty, Joshi said: 8220;Before levelling charges, it is necessary to have enough proof. The case has already been investigated thrice. Think of the torture and the harassment to the man.8221;
When asked if the same principles would apply to certain former ministers 8212; former Social Welfare Minister Dilip Kamble and Guardian Minister Shashikant Sutar 8212; who had faced similar charges but were absolved, the Chief Minister said 50 per cent have been reinstated. Replying to the query if the other minister would be reinstated, he preferred to remain ambiguous.
Joshi was here in connection with the 64th annual general meeting of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture MCCAI. In response to a query on Pune8217;s water supplyscheme, Joshi said a high-powered committee has been instituted to look into it.
Earlier, Joshi launched an offensive against the criticism of the saffron alliance on the industrial policies and asked why a vicious campaign was on to create an impression that the State Government was not very friendly to the industry. He was, however, receptive to suggestions by MCCAI President R J Rathi on sales tax.
