Tuljapur: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday charged that NCP had withdrawn support to his government with an eye on Union Cabinet berths and as part of a "game plan" worked out with BJP.
"NCP has given the state (which is under central rule) to BJP by withdrawing support. This was their game plan... they have done this only for political gains. They want a share in the central government. Everyone will know who joins hands with BJP post elections," he said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Congress campaign for the October 15 Assembly polls at a well-attended rally in this pilgrim town in Marathwada's Osmanabad district. The Congress-led Democratic Front government in Maharashtra collapsed last week, paving the way for imposition of President's rule in the state, after the Sharad Pawar-led NCP withdrew support to it.
Chavan charged that BJP was only interested in inaugurating projects initiated by the previous UPA government and claiming credit for them. "Did BJP announce any scheme for farmers after coming to power (at the Centre)? How many development projects have they undertaken? They are only interested in inaugurating projects that are a result of our (Congress's) hard work," he said.
Seeking a clear mandate for Congress, Chavan said, "Only a government that has a majority can clean the system and ensure development." Appealing to the people for their support, Chavan said Congress would make affordable homes for all a priority if it is elected to power in the state.
"We will ensure that every village gets safe drinking water in the next five years. Affordable homes for all will be our priority. Time has come for people living in rented homes and slums to enhance their standards," said the engineer-turned-politician who was the chief minister for nearly four years.
Also present at the gathering were MPCC President Manikrao Thakre, Campaign Committee chief Narayan Rane, Election Co-ordination Committee chief Ashok Chavan, former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who also heads the party's manifesto panel, and ex-Minister Harshawardhan Patil.
Ashok Chavan, another former chief minister, claimed that BJP leaders were busy fighting amongst themselves for the chief minister's post even before the people have given their verdict.
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