Adarsh scam with Chavan, Deshmukh back to haunt UPA

Mumbai, Jun 18: After Ashok Chavan's resignation as Maharashtra chief minister, UPA government might have believed that the Adarsh ghost would not create any further trouble for them. But the scam once again lifted its head to haunt the ruling government when another former CM of the state, Vilasrao Deshmukh submitted an affidavit before an inquiry panel on Friday, Jun 17.

Deshmukh in his affidavit said, "I approved the proposal to relax the domicile norms/conditions in case of Generals Vij and Kapoor. This decision was fully justified and fitting, considering their eminence and their distinguished service to the nation."

However, Deshmukh's clarifications were humbled when asked whether armed forces personnel stationed in a command posting can be described as those 'serving in a state' for domicile purposes since they are sent to all parts of the country, depending on the unit they have joined, media reports said.

Deshmukh, in his affidavit, also charged Chavan as he (Deshmukh) claimed, "The file put up to me for my concurrence had the unanimous views of all concerned (including very able and experienced officers in the UDD). I relied upon their opinion that there is no warrant for continuing the said reservation and the prescribed procedure for deleting the reservation was followed."

"I acted bona fide and accepted their recommendation," added Deshmukh. Chavan was the then revenue minister and the chief of Urban Development Department (UDD).

Mumbai's Adarsh Housing society was meant to build for the heroes and kins of the Kargil war. The scam came under the limelight after voices were raised claiming that the housing violated environmental norms. Ashok Chavan was forced to table his resignation over his alleged role in the whole scam.

OneIndia News