BJP seems to have opened an RTI department: Prithviraj Chavan

Taking a dig at the BJP, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said the party seemed to have opened a right to information department and that he was ready to face any probe in the 2G case.

Shiv Sena yesterday had sought a probe against him.

"In any department, work and responsibilities are distributed. Since BJP has opened an RTI department, it can ask for papers to find out what files I had signed," he said. Chavan was a minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office until he took over as Maharashtra CM last year.

Asked about vacancies at the top level of the state administration, including those for the posts of secretaries for Power and Industries departments, Chavan blamed the BJP-led NDA government for curtailing the recruitment of IAS officers.

"The consequences of the decision are being felt now. But the routine work is not suffering. Since I came here, 140 new officers have been appointed. I want to ensure that the right person is appointed," Chavan said.

On whether he had replied to the letters of social activist Anna Hazare, Chavan said he had received two letters.

"One is regarding the appointment of Lok Ayukta (in the state) and the other is about certain issues which we had discussed earlier. Both letters are being studied and replies would be sent soon," he said, adding that he was personally in touch with Hazare.

When asked about media reports that his rivals in the party were trying to dislodge him, Chavan said, "I can not help if media carries such reports. A particular newspaper had carried a series of articles against me."

When asked if he had put forth his case before the party high command, Chavan said he met the top leaders of the party in connection with various state-related issues whenever he went to Delhi.

When asked if he had met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi recently, Chavan said he could not meet her during his last Delhi visit, as she was unwell.