Although Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan mentions cricket as one of his hobbies in his bio data, he was never known to be a cricket buff.
He has, however, sprung a surprise by accepting to represent the Mazgaon Cricket Club as their official representative in the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
According to political insiders, Chavan’s entry into the cricketing bastion cannot be termed as insignificant in view of the recent attack by NCP supremo Sharad Pawar over his working style and remarks on disposal of files. His decision to enter the cricketing world should be viewed as a calculated move.
Chavan has following the footsteps of late CM Vilasrao Deshmukh who had previously entered the nation’s most powerful cricketing body as a member of the Mazgaon Cricket Club. He later went on to occupy the coveted chair of the president’s post at MCA.
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But, Deshmukh’s decision to enter the MCA had the blessings of Pawar, who enjoys support of maximum members. It was then contended that as the ex-officio chairman of the MMRDA, Deshmukh’s elevation was because during his tenure, he allocated a prime plot in the Bandra-Kurla Complex for MCA’s indoor stadium.
Later, a slew of concessions and relaxations were given during the allocation of the plot despite the fact that MMRDA is purely a professional body that sells plots to generate revenue.
But, the plot was given at a throw away price and concessions were given for the MCA Club being operated by the firm that constructed the indoor stadium.
Pawar had even loaded fulsome praise on the late former CM during a book release function last week, where he raised a bogey against Chavan, launching a veiled attack.
Now, the things are different and Prithviraj Chavan who does not approve any undue favours may take his new assignment with vigour on the cricketing field, considering he is the biggest critic of NCP.
“The current goings on in the state government have been quite indicative and Chavan is losing no opportunity to corner the NCP,” said a senior Congress leader, on condition of anonymity, adding that several decisions of NCP-controlled departments were stalled or reversed by the CM. u00a0
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