Subhash Desai not authorised to withdraw land notification: CM Devendra Fadnavis

After industries minister Subhash Desai announced withdrawal of notification on land acquisition for the Nanar refinery project on Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was quick to respond saying Desai does not have the authority to do so. The CM said the committee appointed in this regard would take appropriate decision in the interest of people of Konkan region and the state. Fadnavis spoke at the Raj Bhavan, where he had a meeting scheduled with Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao.

He said whatever Desai has said in this regard is his personal opinion and not the government's. But, Fadnavis said, "The three-member high-power committee constituted under chief secretary, would take a decision in this regard and ministers do not have any authority on it. The committee does not have on its agenda the subject of withdrawing the notification for land acquisition. No notification is cancelled at least for now."

Desai, after CM's statement, claimed that since it was he (Desai) who had signed the notification, as a minister he has every right to cancel the same. Desai, while speaking to Zee24Taas said, "I don't want to ridicule the CM but I have done my job and Fadnavis can express his personal opinion."