‘MVA Can Pluck BJP From Local Areas in Maha’: Prithviraj Chavan

The former chief minister also rejected the Bullet Train Project saying that it has been done in an opaque manner.

Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan with The Quint’s Sanjay Pugalia.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam

Maharashtra government was finally formed after nearly a month of much drama, but the political crisis in which it was formed has boggled the public mind ever since. People are still wondering about the impact of the way the government took shape.

Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan, in conversation with The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia on his show ‘Rajpath,’ said, “For the first time in Maharashtra, thee different parties have come together. After 1955, we did see governments by two parties, mainly Shiv Sena-BJP and NCP-Congress. But to have a three-party government is a first.”

Talking about the 2014 defeat, Chavan said, “When we lost the government back in 2014, the possibility of the three parties coming together was discussed back then as well. But we decided otherwise considering that the mandate has chosen what they want.”

Chavan laid down the reasons why the public was not happy with ex-chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, which subsequently led to the downfall of his government.

“In the past five years, the way the Fadnavis-led government ruled the state was not up to the mark. None of the infrastructure projects were completed, the farmers’ distress aggravated, unemployment crisis and other issues could be seen in Maharashtra. Which is why the people did not choose Fadnavis this time.”

Prithviraj Chavan, Former Maharashtra Chief Minister

Apart from this, he also accused the previous government of abuse of power.

He said, “Two-three months before the government formation, the way the chief minister tried to break and finish the Opposition. Thirty-five NCP and Congress sitting MPs were threatened and blackmailed. There was a clear abuse of power.”

'Will Contest Local Polls Together Too'

On being asked if there will be any problems that come with having a coalition government in the state, Chavan said, “There are no issues or contradictions. We are very clear that in areas where Shiv Sena has won, they are dominant there. Likewise, we are dominant in the areas we have won.”

He also pointed out, “In Nagar Palika, Mahanagar Palika, Zila Parishad, BJP is strong. So if Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress works together, we can eradicate them in the local polls.”

One concern in the minds of people in Maharashtra is that even after the government has been formed, why is it that the state cabinet has not been formed yet?

Responding to this, Chavan said, “The ratio of the MPs has been decided between the parties: 16:15:12. We are working to form the cabinet soon.”

Chavan Rejects Bullet Train Project

The former CM repeatedly stated that he was against the Bullet Train Project, saying, “Let the Indian engineers do what they want to do. But this project was not needed. I am not against the idea of the project.”

He further said, “I think the deal that the NDA government signed with Japan should be reviewed. There is no report out yet. Giving the whole project to Japan was wrong.”

Acknowledging that it's a futuristic project, he said, “There are more important questions like: How much will be spent on it? How much will the ticket be? The way the project was done in a non-transparent manner is what we are against.”

‘Whatever’s Decided on Citizenship Bill, We’ll Follow’

There is speculation that the stand of each of these three parties on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 will be different. The Bill is set to be tabled in the Parliament on Monday, 9 December.

“The fate of the Bill will be decided in the Parliament in Delhi. Whatever will be decided will be complied with. If BJP thinks that it is going against the secular fabric of the country, then they might change their views. But whatever is decided, will be applied to us as well.”

Prithviraj Chavan, Former Maharashtra Chief Minister

Chavan stated that some problems and conflicts between the parties is expected, however, he said that the foundation is strong, and the vision to run the government in Maharashtra is even stronger.