Sharad Pawar supports Prithviraj Chavan as Maharashtra Chief Minister

MUMBAI - Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday endorsed the selection of Prithviraj Chavan as new Maharashtra Chief Minister.

Talking to reporters here, Pawar said: “Prithviraj is a good, sober man and I hope he will do good work and will definitely revive Maharashtra.”

Describing Chavan’s selection as the new Chief Minister as “good” and “balanced one”, Pawar assured his party will provide full cooperation to him.

“It is a good selection and balanced one. His reputation is good,” he added.

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

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.

In such a scenario, Chavan seemed to be the best choice with his efficient and clean image.

Chavan holds several key assignments in the Union Cabinet and has handled crucial tasks.

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)