Chavan to discuss his council poll with Congress MLAs

Mumbai, Feb 17 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief MinisterPrithviraj Chavan today said he will soon consult CongressMLAs on contesting the state Legislative Council elections.

"I will discuss with Congress MLAs on which seat should Ibe contesting in a meeting scheduled on February 20 beforetaking any decision," Chavan told reporters here.

Chavan replaced Ashok Chavan, embroiled in the AdarshHousing Society scam, as Maharashtra Chief Minister onNovember 11. With three months already over, Chavan has torace against time as it is statutory for a minister to becomea member of either House within six months of taking oath.

The Chief Minister held a meeting with state MPs ahead ofthe Parliamentary session beginning from February 21. About400 requests were made to Chavan by 40 MPs on various issues.

"There are about 400 requests given by the MPs to thestate Government and if needed we would take a delegation ofMPs to the Prime Minister on the issues," Chavan said.

It was decided in the meeting that the MPs would lobbyover 32 questions regarding the state in the Parliamentsession. The issues vary from railway, irrigation,environment, funds, onion, sugar, Navi Mumbai airport, Mihanproject and Jaitapur power plant, he said.

"There is also need to get more funds for flagshipprojects which the state hasn''t been able to do like in thescheme of NREGS," he added.

Asked about his achievements on completing 100 days asthe Chief Minister, Chavan said "there is no time frame forgood work."

Meanwhile, BJP MP Prakash Jawadekar criticised the eightUnion Ministers from the state, who were absent for themeeting. Only Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs,Pratik Patil had attended the meeting.