Chavan says his remarks on 'Gujarat unfortunately mutilated'

Mumbai, June 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today (June 1) said that his comments on comparative figures of agriculture growth rates in the state and neighbouring Gujarat were "unfortunately mutilated".

"There is no question of giving a political credit to anybody. I was giving comparative figures of the Planning Commission during my dialogue with members of the Agriculture scientific community," Chavan said, on being asked about the controversy over his praise for Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi during a meeting in Ahmednagar district recently.

Chavan's remarks had come at a function in agricultural university in Ahmednagar on May 29, where he said that Gujarat was far ahead of Maharashtra. Chavan added that it was sad that a state is being associated with a person. "No single person can take credit or discredit for anything," the Chief Minister pointed out.

Chavan said that he was chairing the agriculture scientists and vice-chancellors of agriculture universities.

"I complimented them on the agriculture growth rate of the state, which was more than the Centre's. Sugar and grape production had also increased," Chavan said.

On the Lokpal bill issue, Chavan said he had read newspaper reports that the Prime Minister had written to political parties and state governments for their views on the bill. "I have not seen the letter. When it comes, we will apply our minds and discuss the issue," he said.

To a question on whether he was in favour of bringing state legislature under the purview of Lokayukta, Chavan said,"Let's discuss the Lokpal first."

PTI