CM gives clean chit to Baba Adhav

Kolhapur, Mar 29 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, in his personal capacity, has snubbed allegations that social activist Baba Adhav could be a Naxalite sympathiser.

''Considering Mr Adhav's work, I do not think Mr Adhav can be a Naxalite sympathiser,'' Mr Deshmukh said while speaking to reporters here today. He, however, refused to comment further on the issue.

Speaking on the vexed Maharashtra-Karnataka border areas issue, Mr Deshmukh said he would lead a delegation, comprising MPs cutting across party lines, and would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek ''justice for the Marathi-speaking people residing in the region''.

An appointment with the Prime Minister in this regard had been sought, he added.

Mr Deshmukh said the State Legislative Assembly had discussed the issue and unanimously decided to extend all support to the Marathi-speaking people in the region.

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