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Journalism of Courage
MUMBAI January 3: In an attempt to close ranks and seal any ruptures in the new-found unity in the Maharashtra Congress, Sharad Pawar today called upon former Union Home Minister S B Chavan at his residence requesting that there be a smooth conduct of pre-poll exercise, including the distribution of party tickets and the actual electoral campaign.
Speaking to reporters here this afternoon, Chavan said he had expressed his annoyance to Pawar at the unauthorised “leakage” of information to the media by party leaders about finalisation of tickets to party candidates.
“Who is the spokesperson authorised to part with such information to the Press?” Chavan questioned. He told newspersons that there was no truth to reports of the individual candidature finalised at yesterday’s State Parliamentary Board meeting. Moreover, the seat adjustments with other parties was not final, Chavan said.
“Merely seat adjustments will not do. These parties must also campaign for each other,” he said. Asked to comment on the difference that Sonia Gandhi’s campaign could make to Congress fortunes, Chavan said, “The party position should improve by about two to three per cent.”
Pawar’s own estimate in reply to the same question by reporters yesterday was that Sonia could make add at least 10 per cent to the Congress’ final tally.
Chavan said no decision had yet been taken on the Nanded and Hingoli seats though he had been authorised by the Pradesh Election Committee to make the final recommendations.
He denied that he would contest the Lok Sabha polls from Nanded. “I have no desire to do so. However, if the party High Command insists upon my contesting, I can reconsider my decision,” he added.
