Cong-NCP to score over weak opposition: Ashok Chavan

Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan today said the Congress-NCP combine stands a good chance to retaining power after the October 13 Assembly elections as the Opposition was in a complete "disarray".

"We are going to people again on our performance. But, at the same time, we will also benefit because the Opposition camp is in disarray," Chavan told PTI at his residence here.

"The government's performance in last ten years in the field of social justice, financial aid to farmers, infrastructure development in Mumbai and other urban areas, investment in power sector stand us in good stead," he added.
       
Chavan said the Congress was much better placed than Shiv Sena-BJP in terms of rebellion. "Sada Sarvankar, sitting Sena MLA from Dadar has quit the party and Gajanan Kirtikar may soon follow suit.

Similarly, Rajendra Gavai of the RPI Gavai faction is joining the Congress-led alliance and we may leave a few seats for him," the Chief Minister said.

However, he admitted that Amravati seat where Rajendra Shekhawat, son of President Pratibha Patil is contesting may pose a problem. "We will persuade sitting MLA Sunil Deshmukh not to rebel. He will be accommodated suitably," Chavan said.

Chavan said Shekhawat has been working in the constituency for last two-and-a-half year and had sought a ticket. "He did not get the ticket because he was the President's son,even if it may appear so. Being the President's son is not a disqualification," Chavan, who is the son of former CM late SB Chavan, said.

On Third Front, he claimed it had no agenda and is a confused lot without any direction. He also criticised Third Front leader Ramdas Athawale for accusing the Congress of vendetta after his belongings were removed from his official bungalow in Delhi.

"How is the Congress responsible? He was overstaying in the bungalow and action had been taken which is not illegal," he said. Chavan said, "MNS and Shiv Sena are two sides of the same coin. They have to share their failures and successes."

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, General Secretary Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will arrive in the state for campaigning from next week and details of their tour is being worked out, Chavan told the reporters.