Congress factions begin tussle for Mhada chief's post

There is a keen tussle among the Congress functionaries for the post of chairman of Maharashtra Housing And Area Development Authority (Mhada) Mumbai board as the term of the incumbent Amarjit Singh Manhas ends on November 11.

There is a keen tussle among the Congress functionaries for the post of chairman of Maharashtra Housing And Area Development Authority (Mhada) Mumbai board as the term of the incumbent Amarjit Singh Manhas ends on November 11.

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While a faction led by MP Gurudas Kamat favours extending the term of the incumbent Manhas, Mumbai Congress President Kripashankar Singh's camp has put forward the name of Rajiv Chavan, general secretary of Mumbai Congress.

Manhas, who is also the treasurer of the Mumbai Congress, has in the last four years played a key role making available 12,189 low-cost houses to Mumbaiites.

Congress' Dindoshi MLA Rajhans Singh has sent a petition to chief minister Prithviraj Chavan with signatures from 12 legislators supporting Manhas.

According to Manhas's supporters, extension of his term will boost the party's image and also help in the forthcoming civic elections. "He has implemented the party's agenda of providing houses to the common man and should be rewarded," said Congress corporator Shivji Singh.

The post is significant as the chairman enjoys the status of minister of state and redevelopment proposals of Mhada colonies need the green signal of the board headed by the chief.

Close contestant Rajiv Chavan, when quizzed on his chances, said he is hearing such a thing for the first time. "I am a very loyal party worker since the last 30 years and have never asked for anything," said Chavan. He called it a hypothetical question when asked whether he would accept the post if offered by the party.

However, Kripashankar Singh's supporters say that asking for extension for Manhas is an unfair demand. "Manhas has already enjoyed the post for four years and now other party workers should also get a chance. How long will a few privileged ones enjoy the perks of office?" asked a Singh supporter.