Everyone is eagerly waiting for former chief minister Ashok Chavan to speak on the Adarsh society scam in the state assembly today. But, the big question on their minds is — will Chavan put up a defence or embarrass his party’s government by speaking about the role his predecessors and other ministers played in the scam?
Chavan, who had to resign after his kin were named as members of Adarsh, has decided to speak in the house and clarify his position. “A lot was written and said about me. I would like to speak if there is a debate in the assembly. I will put forth the facts,” said Chavan.
According to sources, Chavan would defend himself by saying that he had not allotted land or given any clearances to the controversial society. The former CM is also likely to insist that the state and not the defence ministry owned the land as stated by the Mumbai collector in his report.
However, statements made by Chavan in his hometown, Nanded, have left the Congress worried. Chavan on Sunday displayed a show of strength in Nanded, where he made a public statement that his detractors had given a ‘supari’ to finish his political career.
“The decisions like allotment of land and more FSI to Adarsh were taken during other CMs’ tenure. If Chavan speaks about it, the Opposition would demand resignations of people he mentions,” said a Congress minister, adding that Chavan was unlikely to name any party colleagues.
{{/usCountry}}“The decisions like allotment of land and more FSI to Adarsh were taken during other CMs’ tenure. If Chavan speaks about it, the Opposition would demand resignations of people he mentions,” said a Congress minister, adding that Chavan was unlikely to name any party colleagues.
{{/usCountry}}The opposition parties are, however, looking forward to Chavan speak. “He should not speak in riddles. He should reveal the names of people involved,” said Opposition leader Eknath Khadse.