Will not ask Malik to resign, says Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar. File Pic

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday said that CM Uddhav Thackeray has decided to keep Nawab Malik in his cabinet. Pawar, who addressed a media conference after the customary tea party and cabinet meeting, on Wednesday, said, "The CM is the head of the government and he decides on resignations. However, I don't know what will happen tomorrow when the matter comes up for debate in the house and in the Bombay High Court, which will decide whether Malik's arrest by the ED was legal. The two other ministers were asked to resign in the past because the reasons were different."

Pawar said Malik has moved the high court, arguing that his arrest itself was illegal. "Our seniors have taken a decision of not asking Malik to resign after much thinking," he said, adding that the sitting ministers in West Bengal were arrested but did not resign. "After all, the reasons for which the minister (Malik) was arrested is important (for not asking him to go)." Pawar said the CM, who skipped the previous session because of health issues, will attend the budget session from March 3 and 25.

Lawful action against BJP leaders

He said the allegations of scam and corruption in the past government would be probed in a lawful manner. "The government is in action mode, but it follows the law of the land. Actions should not boomerang (back at us). We have been running the government for over 30 years and know how to deal with such matters. Any complaint or allegations with substance will be probed," he said.

Pawar regretted the exchange of allegations and conflict between the ruling and opposition parties in the state and Centre. "Such things are harmful to the state. All parties should follow (a cultural and parliamentary) legacy that our great leaders have left behind. Important subjects and issues get ignored as we fight over trivial things."

He said the assembly speaker will also be elected in the budget session and the government has sent Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to approve of the election programme, which was held back by Raj Bhavan in the last session for want of legal clarity on the method of voice polling.