Prithiviraj Chavan promises transparent governance

Fresh after taking oath as the 22nd Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan said during his maiden media address he would work towards having a clean ministry. 

Avoiding to comment on the Adarsh scam, however to a separate query, CM Chavan said that he will not hesitate to take tough decisions in the interest of the state. Chavan said that he strive to facilitate the growth of the state to its full potential. "India is growing at a good rate, our state too has the potential to grow at the same level as India or at a better rate. We have got the technology and man power but we need the willpower to take strong decisions."said Chavan.

Barely hours into the office of the CM, Chavan has already outlined the areas that would require his sustained attention. He listed the primary areas of concern as issues related to farmers, power deficiency, housing, education, infrastructure and ensuring peace among the diverse communities in the state. "There are a lot of problems like education, basic services for the people, housing and energy that need attention, the challenges are big but if we have the will power we can do it," said Chavan. He added that said that his earlier experience of having worked at the Centre in a government with many coalition partners would also benefit him in Maharashtra where the Congress is in coalition with the Nationalist Congress Party.

Giving a glimpse of his distinct style of functioning in running the state, after taking oath Chavan along with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar went to pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Mani Bhavan and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's memorial at Dadar Chowpatty.

Chavan will be flying to Delhi to consult with the party high command to short list the Congress MLAs to be inducted as ministers in his government.