Worries are mounting for chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on the political front because the 12 independent legislators, who support the Congress from outside, have decided to boycott the Rajya Sabha by-poll scheduled for July 22.
The MLAs have cited the CM’s indifference towards them as the reason.
Congress has fielded Hussain Dalwai for the poll, necessitated by Chavan’s resignation from the Rajya Sabha. Members of the legislative assembly will vote in this poll.
Though the boycott will not affect Dalwai’s chances because of the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance’s majority in the Assembly, the Congress legislators feel their independent counterparts share their feelings about the CM’s callous approach.
The majority of Congress legislators accuse the CM of being too slow in approving works in their constituencies.
They also complain that he does not give them audience on crucial issues.
Ravi Rana (Badnera) said the CM did not value his colleagues. “In our constituencies, pending work is increasing every day as the CM does not approve of our suggestions,” he said.
“When we approach him for some developmental work, this government treats us like stepchildren, but, when it comes to the polls, the Congress engages us in sweet talk.”
{{/usCountry}}“When we approach him for some developmental work, this government treats us like stepchildren, but, when it comes to the polls, the Congress engages us in sweet talk.”
{{/usCountry}}The 12 independent legislators will meet on Wednesday to decide on a course of action.