CAG report blames 10 Maha ministers for power misuse: Oppn

The Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today said that as per the latest report of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), ten ministers were directly or indirectly responsible for irregularities involving institutions run by them or their kin causing losses to the state exchequer.

Leader of Opposition Eknath Khadse said the ten ministers were guilty of misusing their official position to dole out largesse to the institutions run by them or their relatives. "We have their names but cannot disclose till the report is officially made public," he said. "The CAG report has already been submitted to the government and the copies are ready.

We too have them. But the government has been refusing to table it on the floor of the House to avoid debate," Khadse charged. BJP legislator Devendra Phadanvis urged the speaker Dilip Walse Patil to issue directives to the government in this regard. Khadse said the Opposition wanted to discuss the report's findings through a debate.

"This will enable the concerned ministers to give an explanation on the report’s findings and present their side as well," he added. Nawab Malik (NCP) said the Opposition was trying to malign the government's image by raising such an issue. "There is a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) headed by the Opposition where the report can be discussed and action taken," he added.

To which the speaker said the Opposition's motive should not be questioned in this regard. "The report cannot be discussed in the PAC unless it is tabled in the House," the Speaker said and asked the Opposition to give him some time to give a ruling.