The Hindu : National : Opinion divided in Congress too on Vidarbha, says Chavan

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Opinion divided in Congress too on Vidarbha, says Chavan

Staff Reporter

Ashok Chavan

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said here on Tuesday that opinion remained divided in the Congress on formation of a Vidarbha State, as was the case in other parties.

At a press conference, he was asked about the participation of some Congress leaders in an agitation in Nagpur demanding Vidarbha State.

“There is difference of opinion on this issue. The decision, however, rests with the party. I am bound by the directives of my party. Ours is a coalition government and people have different views.” He, however, expressed his readiness to discuss the issue with his party leaders.

Asked about Congress corporator Deepak Mankar, who was facing criminal charges of land grabbing, Mr. Chavan said: “There is a difference between being accused and being convicted. The Congress will always steer clear of those with criminal background.” The party had suspended Mr. Mankar but took him back in its fold. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Manikrao Thakre said he would send an observer to seek information from the zilla committee on the decision to re-induct Mr. Mankar.

On Assistant Commissioner of Police Prakash Wani and some other police personnel allegedly partying with gangsters, Mr. Chavan said: “They have been suspended. Now, according to the outcome of the departmental inquiry, ultimate action will be taken as per the provisions of law.”

Ragging incident

On ragging at a medical college here a few days ago, he said: “The students responsible for the incident have been expelled from the hostel and their scholarships discontinued. It is important that their academic careers are not ruined. This is not to say that I support ragging. Appropriate action should be taken against them.”

As to the allegation that Hindi film 3 Idiots inspired the incident, he said: “Films have played a role in highlighting the ills in society. As for 3 Idiots, the Censor Board is the authority to decide if there are any objectionable parts in the movie.”

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