The Congress-led Democratic Front government had its way over the appointment of state’s chief information commissioner (CIC) when the name of Ratnakar Gaikwad was finalised through a committee headed by CM Prithviraj Chavan. Gaikwad, who recently retired as the state chief secretary, pipped big names such as ex-additional chief secretaries Umesh Chandra Sarangi and Ramesh Kumar, and former BMC commissioner Subodh Kumar. Sources said in all there were seven contenders for the prestigious post, which has been lying vacant for the last 7-8 months.

Twists and turns: Gaikwad overcame strong contenders likeu00a0ex-additional chief secretaries Umesh Chandra Sarangi and Ramesh Kumar, and former BMC commissioner Subodh Kumar. File pic