Adarsh report review: Babus take on politicians

The Adarsh scam is turning into a clash between politicians and bureaucrats with the IAS officers named in the report writing to the chief secretary that they were only following orders of their political bosses.

The Adarsh scam is turning into a clash between politicians and bureaucrats with the IAS officers named in the report writing to the chief secretary that they were only following orders of their political bosses.

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This move comes amid speculation that the government, which has been told to act against the guilty by Rahul Gandhi, was looking at ways to save three of its former CMs by blaming it on the bureaucrats. Among all indicted politicians, Chavan faces serious charges.

CS Sangitrao, ex- secretary to then CM Vilasrao Deshmukh, told HT that the commission did not allow him to depose. "The findings are unilateral and malafide. I did not handle the Adarsh files. I have already welcomed the government for rejecting the bogus report."

The report has indicted Chavan, Shinde, Nilangekar and two ex-ministers of state Sunil Tatkare and Rajesh Tope for giving political patronage to Adarsh society. Chavan and Nilangekar were given flats in exchange of their support. Several bureaucrats were also found guilty of either giving permissions/ clearances as quid pro quo or violating service conduct rules to get flats.