Prithviraj Chavan to be new Maharashtra Chief Minister

NEW DELHI - Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan has been named as the next Maharashtra Chief Minister.

Chavan’s name was formally announced this morning after he met Congress President Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence.

Announcing the decision, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, “Myself and AK Antony went to Mumbai last evening where we had a meeting with the Congress Legislature Party, they unanimously requested Congress President to choose the next leader of the Congress Legislature Party.”

With the name of Congress Chief Minister Ashok Chavan cropping up in connection with the Adarsh Housing society scam, the Congress’ choice has been limited, especially given that the party is in a clean-up mode after battling several corruption scandals.

In such a scenario, Chavan seemed to be the best choice with his efficient and clean image.

Chavan holds several key assignments in the Union Cabinet and has handled crucial tasks.

He was closely involved in the passage of the Indo-US nuclear deal, is monitoring important CBI cases and is currently Minister of State not only in the PMO, but also in the Science and Technology, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Parliamentary Affairs ministries.

Chavan (64) has won three Lok Sabha elections from Karad in Satara district in Western Maharashtra, the stronghold of Sharad Pawar. (ANI)