Contrary to expectations, the Congress’s central election committee has declared the candidature of controversial former CM Ashok Chavan for the Nanded LS constituency. Chavan’s nomination assumes significance since it was believed his alleged involvement in the multi crore Adarsh scam would scupper his candidature, especially after Rahul Gandhi’s declared stand against politicians accused of corruption.
Congress leader Ajay Maken, speaking to reporters in New Delhi, justified Chavan’s candidature saying he hasn’t been convicted or banned by the EC from contesting polls. “Under the circumstances, there was nothing wrong in nominating the former CM,’’ Maken said. Chavan’s wife Amita had earlier filed her papers but in view of Chavan’s nomination is now expected to withdraw.
It was a strong pitch from Maharashtra Congress chief Manikrao Thakre and chief minister Prithviraj Chavan that the party’s election commission agreed to nominate Ashok Chavan, despite the fact that he was himself not keen on contesting and was insisting on nominating his wife. Thakre and Prithviraj told the high command that after Vilasrao Deshmukh’s death, there was no Congress face in the Marathwada, and it would be help the party to nominate Ashok Chavan.
Ashok Chavan had resigned as CM in November 2010 after his name figured in the Adarsh scam. His successor Prithviraj Chavan set up a judicial panel to probe the alleged scam, which submitted its report saying Ashok Chavan did allot flats to his relatives, which amounted to a quid pro quo. While the commission passed strictures against the former CM, the CBI filed a criminal case against him and 13 top bureaucrats, politicians and military personnel. CBI’s contention was that Chavan had misused his position for the benefit of his relatives.
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