Probe into Chavan’s poll promise

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is in trouble for promising funds to the three villages where he polled the highest votes in the recent Assembly elections, reports HT Correspondent.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is in trouble for promising funds to the three villages where he polled the highest votes in the recent Assembly elections.

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The state’s chief election office, following an order from the Election Commission, has initiated a probe into Chavan’s assurance to the three Nanded villages. He made the promise during a felicitation ceremony after his victory.

Chavan won the Assembly polls from Bhokar in Nanded with the highest margin.

The probe was ordered following a complaint by BJP legislator Vinod Tawde who said the CM’s promise amounted to bribery. “The CM cannot be partial…He’s in charge of the entire state’s welfare,” Tawde said on Saturday. “I had complained to the state election office but they didn’t do anything. The EC took cognisance of my complaint.”

Chavan denied making any statement, which would amount to a violation of the code of conduct. “But I am ready for any inquiry. I have not yet received any letter from the election commission,” Chavan said.

Tawde said Deputy Chief Election Officer A.B. Valvi has told him that the EC has ordered the state election office to conduct the inquiry. The office of Chief Election Officer Debashish Chakravarti, who is on leave, also confirmed this.