The state government tabled the CAG report, which allegedly indicts senior politicians from the state — nearly 10 days after it was leaked to the media.
There was pandemonium in the Maharashtra legislative assembly on Tuesday. The state government tabled the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which allegedly indicts senior politicians from the state — nearly 10 days after it was leaked to the media.
The ruling parties claimed that the leak was a conspiracy against their leaders.
Industries minister Narayan Rane and public works department minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who have been at the eye of the storm for the last few days, clarified about their names being mentioned in the report.
Rane said that the leak of the report was a systematic attempt to tarnish the images of the ruling ministers.
As per the leaked excerpts, a 91,300 sqm plot in Govardhan Taluka in Nashik district worth crores of rupees was allotted to the Mumbai Education Trust (MET) after changing the purpose of reservation from mining activity to educational purpose at an occupancy price of just Rs9.08 lakh. The land was allegedly transferred to MET by the PWD, headed by Bhujbal.
Bhujbal told the assembly that the MET had applied for the land in 2000, when he was not the PWD minister. “The land was allotted in 2003 by the revenue department as per government norms meant for land allotment for educational institutions," he said.
Leader of Opposition Eknath Khadse objected to the clarification, saying it was not needed since no allegations were made against Bhujbal on the floor of House in this regard. He alleged that the ministers were misleading the House.
Khadse claimed that government norms have been violated by these leaders and hence criminal cases needed to be filed against them.
Shiv Sena group leader Subhash Desai pointed out that the Constitution has made it mandatory to table the report.
The Opposition also demanded a discussion on the findings of the CAG report in the House as the public accounts committee, which deliberates on the report, has no right to summon ministers.
Khadse alleged that the state government was running away from its responsibility and turning a blind eye to wrongdoings of its ministers.
After three adjournments, which failed to avert the ruckus, the House was adjourned for day.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}