The general perception was the CM was simply sitting on files. Can’t a chief minister be both clean and efficient?-13/9/11

Deepak Lokhande: Can’t a chief minister be both clean and efficient?

Deepak Lokhande | Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Last week, Mantralaya beat journalists were in for a surprise. Prithviraj Chavan, who hardly mingled with them in 10 months as chief minister, was eager to meet them.

What was the sudden provocation? Well, he was rattled by our series assessing his performance. We had spoken to everyone — legislators from the Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena, BJP and MNS, bureaucrats and industrialists. And the general perception was the CM was simply sitting on files.

So rattled was the CM that he didn’t even wait for the final episode in the series to be published where we had given him a chance to clear the air. What was the hurry, Mr CM? If his defence was as simple as what he told most journalists, he should have nothing to fear.
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Ever since he was brought in after Ashok Chavan’s disgraceful exit in the wake of the Adarsh scam, Chavan is doing everything to project himself as Mr Clean. He has been particularly wary of the builder lobby. Now, that is understandable as he doesn’t want to get embroiled in any needless controversy. But what has that got to do with being a speedy administrator? Who said a CM can’t be clean and efficient both? Who said a clean CM can’t have a vision for the state?

Chavan must understand he is not just the state’s CEO. He is also the leader of the state. If he had to make decisions entirely based on his babus’ notings, why do we need a CM? Why do they hold elections? Why do MLAs choose their leader? Why is a ministers’ council made? Why is it above the bureaucracy?

Chavan must take a leaf out of his predecessors (no, I am not talking of the Sharad Pawars and Vilasrao Deshmukhs) — the late Yashwantrao Chavan and Vasantdada Patil, both known for their acumen and efficiency. Chavan had a tough task of leading the new-born state while Patil was much less-educated. But both handled it with ease, mainly because they had their ear to the ground. Yashwantrao would meet people from all spheres of life and thus had first-hand information of what was happening in the state. Patil was aware of the social framework and tweaked or formulated policies accordingly. Can Prithviraj claim that legacy?

Donning the CM’s hat is not easy. A Damocles’ sword always hangs on the uneasy head. Every decision is watched and scrutinised ever so minutely. But that cannot be an excuse for not making any decisions.

The DNA series ensured the CM at least had a frank interaction with the media. One only hopes he meets other sections of the society as well.