Challenges are not difficult to meet, says Maharashtra's new chief minister; deputy Ajit Pawar says Chavan will take state to greater heights.
After taking charge as chief minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan made it clear that he would govern the state with an iron hand.
The soft-spoken gentleman politician struck the right notes as he outlined the parameters of governance in the Democratic Front government.
Asserting that the state’s political scene was not new to him as he had handled several critical issues related to the state while he was a minister of state in the prime minister’s office, Chavan promised to make transparency the central theme of his administration.
Accompanied by his deputy Ajit Pawar, who, too, promised good governance, Chavan said he had been given “a big responsibility of leading the state of Maharashtra”.
Much to everybody’s surprise, Ajit Pawar went the extra mile to highlight Chavan’s skills. “His excellent rapport in the PMO will help the state get central budgetary allocation that is needed for major projects,” Pawar said.
He recalled Chavan’s political background and said that under his leadership the state would reach greater heights on all fronts. Pawar’s speech was short but it showed the synergy between him and Chavan.
“At a time when the country has emerged as maha shakti [world power], Maharashtra cannot be found lagging behind in economic growth,” Chavan said. “There should be rapid growth and it should stay ahead of the nation.”
Though Chavan has mostly operated behind the scenes in Delhi, he has the backing of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Rahul Gandhi.
Sceptics are waiting to see how Chavan gives new direction to the state that has slipped on several fronts, and to the party that has been mired in several controversies.
“We have immense resources, manpower and budget,” Chavan said. “The only question is if one has the political will.” Pausing briefly, he continued, “My answer is yes. I know the challenges are big; but not difficult to attain.”
Emphasising on teamwork in the cabinet, he said, “Having worked in the prime minister’s office for the past six years I have closely observed the running of a complex coalition government.”
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