Prithviraj Chavan set to enter legislature unopposed
April 22nd, 2011 - 10:56 pm ICT by IANS
Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) With Shiv Sena Friday deciding against fielding a candidate for the ensuing Maharashtra Legislative Council by-elections, the stage is set for the lone Congress candidate, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, to be elected unopposed.
In a statement announcing the party’s decision not to field a candidate, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray said: “Prithviraj (Chavan), go, get elected unopposed!”
Making a sarcastic observation, Thackeray said that Chavan is least concerned about how many are dead or alive in Jaitapur, referring to the agitation in Ratnagiri district, where one man was killed in police firing on local residents protesting the proposed nuclear plant in the area.
The common man is fed up with the Congress rule in the state, he said, adding that the people in the state have lost interest in any elections, especially since “one Chavan comes and another goes” - referring to Prithviraj Chavan replacing Ashok Chavan, who was forced to quit in the wake of the Adarsh Society scam.
The Sena leader said that despite any assurance that Chavan may give to the people of the state, he is merely a “talking puppet” and all strings are pulled by the Congress high command in New Delhi.
“As the CM, he has no authority to take any decisions, Jaitapur is a glaring example. Decisions are taken in New Delhi, the state Congrss CM is merely a talking puppet,” Thackeray said.
Chavan filed his nomination papers Thursday to contest for the polls, scheduled for May 4.
The last date for filing nominations is Saturday (April 23), but barring Chavan, there were no other candidates till Friday evening.
Chavan is not a member of either house of the state legislature and must get elected by May 11 - exactly six months (Nov 11) after he took over the reins of the state from Ashok Chavan.
He has filed his nomation for the seat vacated by senior party leader Sanjay Dutt last month.
In the 289 member assembly, which forms the electoral college, the Congress has 82 members and its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party has 62.
- Prove bribery allegation or quit, Bal Thackeray dares Chavan (Lead) - Apr 30, 2011
- Shiv Sena indestructible, says Bal Thackeray - Feb 14, 2012
- It's Mumbai not 'Bambai', Uddhav reminds Prithviraj - Nov 10, 2010
- Chavan has taken contract for Jaitapur project: Uddhav - Apr 29, 2011
- Elections will see communal parties losing relevance: Chavan - Feb 16, 2012
- Bal Thackeray blasts Sharad Pawar for 'kids' comment - May 07, 2011
- Prithviraj Chavan elected to legislative council unopposed - Apr 27, 2011
- Maharashtra opposition undecided on by-poll candidate - Apr 22, 2011
- Chavan discusses Jaitapur issue with Uddhav Thackeray - Mar 04, 2011
- 8 candidates in fray for 6 Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra - Mar 19, 2012
- Malafide protests against Jaitapur will not be tolerated: Narayan Rane - Jan 21, 2011
- Bal Thackeray, Uddhav thunder at Dussehra rally - Oct 18, 2010
- Raj Thackeray warns of riots over anti-Marathi remarks - Nov 03, 2011
- Curbs imposed on movement of two ex-judges opposing n-plant - Mar 06, 2011
- Jubilance and disappointment after Maharashtra civic polls results - Feb 17, 2012
Tags: ashok, chief minister, common man, congress candidate, council by elections, example decisions, executive president, friday evening, glaring example, last date, legislative council, member assembly, nomination papers, nuclear plant, party leader, sanjay dutt, sena leader, shiv sena, thackeray, unopposed