CM's chair for Chavan as B'day gift?

Five days before he turns 51 on October 28, there would be no better birthday gift for Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who got just 10 months to prove his mettle in the top job in Maharashtra.

Five days before he turns 51 on October 28, there would be no better birthday gift for Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who got just 10 months to prove his mettle in the top job in Maharashtra.

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And indications are that his birthday wish may be granted, with party high command not in a mood to disturb the present arrangement, Congress sources said.

Like every time, there are several aspirants for the chief ministerial chair.

Chavan, who won from Bhokar seat in Nanded by over a lakh votes, faces potential rivals for the coveted post--Union ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sushilkumar Shinde, state Congress chief Manikrao Thakre, former CM Narayan Rane and revenue minister Patangrao Kadam.

However, going by his non-controversial tenure, the party high command may be inclined to continue with him.

Congress' success in winning 17 Lok Sabha seats earlier this year and the improved tally in Assembly elections now may also work in his favour, the sources said.

"There is a view in the party that Chavan got just 10 months to prove himself and that he should be given more time," they said.