Congress took right decision in choosing Chavan to lead Maharashtra: Deshmukh

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI - Hailing the appointment of Prithviraj Chavan as new Maharashtra Chief Minister, Union Heavy Industries Vilasrao Deshmukh on Wednesday said the Congress party took the right decision in choosing Chavan to lead the State.

Vilasrao Deshmukh said that the party men would provide their full support and cooperation to Prithviraj Chavan for the smooth governance of Maharashtra.

“By using the powers vested in her by the Congress Legislative Party (CLP), our leader, Sonia Gandhi, has appointed Prithviraj Chavan as the new chief minister of the State. We welcome her decision and we would provide our full support and cooperation in Maharashtra’s governance,” said Deshmukh.

On asked about Chavan lacking experience of active politics of Maharashtra, Deshmukh said that a senior leader of his stature could lead the State on the right path of success and development.

“Prithviraj Chavan is a very senior leader. He has worked for many years in the organisation, worked as a Minister of State. He has always associated himself with the politics of Maharashtra state. He used to be a part of all the functions and events organised by the party during my tenure,” said Deshmukh.

“He was an active member during election campaigning. He has toured many regions in Maharashtra. It is wrong to say that he is unacquainted with the State. I am confident that he can lead the State of Maharashtra into the right direction,” he added.

Chavan’s name was formally announced this morning after he met Congress President Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence.

Announcing the decision, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said: “Myself and AK Antony went to Mumbai last evening where we had a meeting with the Congress Legislature Party, they unanimously requested Congress President to choose the next leader of the Congress Legislature Party.”

With the name of Congress Chief Minister Ashok Chavan cropping up in connection with the Adarsh Housing society scam, the Congress’ choice has been limited, especially given that the party is in a clean-up mode after battling several corruption scandals.

Chavan resigned from the government after he was chosen as the leader of the Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party.

He is likely to be sworn-in as Chief Minister on Thursday.

Chavan holds several key assignments in the Union Cabinet.

He was closely involved in the passage of the Indo-US nuclear deal, is monitoring important CBI cases and is currently Minister of State not only in the PMO, but also in the Science and Technology, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Parliamentary Affairs ministries.

Chavan (64) has won three Lok Sabha elections from Karad in Satara district in Western Maharashtra, the stronghold of Sharad Pawar. (ANI)