Opposition parties in Maharashtra are demanding resignation of the Chief Minister, Mr Prithviraj Chavan, over his role in the controversial appointment of Mr P.J. Thomas as Chief Vigilance Commissioner.

Mr Subhash Desai, Shiv Sena leader in the Legislative Assembly told media persons on Tuesday that, Mr Chavan, who was the Union Minister of State for Personnel at the time of appointment of Mr Thomas (September 2010) did not reveal the full details to the Prime Minister about the corruption charges against Mr Thomas.

“Mr Chavan has hidden facts about appointment of Mr Thomas. Similarly, he may also conceal sensitive facts about Jaitapur nuclear plant, which he is so strongly supporting. The recent incidents in Japan have brought before people the dangers of nuclear technology,” Mr Desai said.

Also training guns on the Chief Minister, the leader of opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Mr Eknath Khadase, said the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan's statement that -Mr Chavan had lied about some aspects of the appointment of Mr Thomas, is a shame for Maharashtra. Mr Chavan must explain his stand.

There was pandemonium in the Assembly and council over the appointment of Mr Thomas with both treasury and opposition benches trading charges.

As soon as the Question Hour started in the Legislative Assembly, opposition members raised the issue of appointment of Mr Thomas. Both sides raised slogans leading to adjournment for one hour. Later when Mr Khadase rose to speak on the issue through an adjournment notice, Congress party members rushed to the aisle of the house shouting slogans. This was countered by BJP member Mr Girish Mahajan, after which the house was adjourned for the day.

Similarly, in the Legislative Council there were noisy scenes after Chairman, Mr Shivajirao Deshmukh, refused the request for an adjournment motion, on the Thomas issue, saying that the appointment of Mr Thomas was not a State subject.

rahulw@thehindu.co.in

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