Prithviraj Chavan denies awareness of any move to change state leadership

“Until a decision is made, I will continue with my work,” Chavan said.

He also pleaded ignorance about what transpired during the reported meeting on Thursday in Delhi, between Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and A K Antony.

He said that NCP is a constituent of the UPA and such meetings are part of “a routine excercise”, adding that he did not know if seat sharing issues were discussed by the leaders.

Chavan refuted allegations by his critics that he is slow in clearing files and claimed that he took the maximum number of decisions as chief minister.

Describing the Lok Sabha results as “unexpected”, Chavan said the party would redraw its campagin strategy making greater use of social media and information technology.

Chavan said after the losses in the last election, Congress Chief Ministers had met party president Sonia Gandhi for discussion on revamping the organisation and re-work the strategy for improving the future poll prospects.

“There is a lot of speculation about the change in Maharashtra leadership in the media. If it happens you will come to know about it,” he said.

On the Campa Cola complex demolition, he said the SC directive in the matter was clear and did not allow any intervention by local authorities.

There was no remedial compromise formula brought before him by the affected residents that could be considered for a solution to the problem, Chavan said adding “I am still ready to give a thought if any such proposal is brought.”

He however, disapproved of enacting a law in the State Legislature to regularise Campa Cola construction as a solution.

“If illegal constructions are to be spared by a law, it would imply that other such irregular works too can be saved in a similar way. Does it mean that those who constructed buildings in compliance with rules and regulations are making a mistake?, he asked. The government would also consider action against the officials responsible for allowing illegal construction,” he added.

On the Local Body Tax (LBT) issue, the Chief Minister reiterated that the suggestions proposing a surcharge on VAT as an alternative to LBT would affect autonomy of local self governance.

“We will take a decision on this issue with a consensus,” he added.

In reply to question, Chavan said the Chitale Committee report had pointed the fact that Maharashtra was a less irrigated state as compared to other parts of the country.

The purpose behind appointing the Committee was not to blame anybody but to remove shortcoming in the future irrigation projects, he said.

“We need to make fundamental changes in our water management,” Chavan noted.