Maharashtra elections: Ahead of polls, Prithviraj Chavan on a project-clearing spree

Better late then never. CM Prithviraj Chavan is going all out to clear pending files and approve umpteen number of projects when the elecion code of conduct is knocking on the doors.

Now that the election commission may announce the code any moment, most probably today, Chavan is on his toes. "He used to take all the time to read, study and make notes of each project files and schemes before approving them. Now, files are moving quickly in the Mantralaya and most projects are being hurriedly approved," a close aide of the chief minister said.

"Previously, cabinet meetings were held once a week on Wednesdays. Now, cabinet meetings are held daily. Chavan took more than 200 decisions in the past month. Earlier, he used to clock 50 at best."

A senior state government official termed Chavan's action "last-minute batting". "He is doing this to appease every section of the society. He used to sit on files in the past... Now, files are being approved in record time," he said. "The CM ignored developers completely in the past. Now files are moving smoothly... There's been a sea change in his nature ahead of the assembly polls."

And this drastic change has forced officials to burn the midnight oil to keep files ready for the CM.

"My desk is full of files and documents. I am very busy... I am forced to skip lunch on most days," another official said. "It is taking a toll on my health. Nowadays, the CM sits in the Mantralaya till files are cleared."

Opposition leader, BJP's Eknath Khadse criticised Chavan's decision to clear files in this manner. "Every month, the state government raises Rs1,200-1,300 crore in loans to meet its daily expenses. Approving several schemes and projects means additional burden for the next government," he said.

"This government knows they are returning to power; so, they are approving all schemes and projects without holding any discussions. Once we come to power, we will set up an inquiry committee to check the decisions taken by the government in the past three months. We may revoke certain decisions that were taken violating the rules and regulations." Also, the BJP would complain to governor CV Rao that Chavan's been taking decisions without any discussions, Khadse said.

Political observers say Chavan's last-ditch effort might improve the Congress-NCP's tarnished image and might fetch the combine some more votes. "The present situation is in favour of the Shiv Sena-BJP combine. But their drawback is they do not have a strong leader, acceptable to everyone, to lead the poll campaign successfully," an observer said.

"BJP leader Gopinath Munde's demise has created a big void... And the Congress-NCP can take advantage of it and fight back. For them, it is a do-or-die situation."

Clearing projects has nothing to do with polls: Chavan
Though it is obvious that it is a well-planned strategy of the Congress-NCP combine to clear pending projects, ahead of the assembly polls, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan denied it. He said he decided to clear various projects that had been held up in red tape for a long time.