Mumbai:
In a shocking statement Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has announced cash rewards of Rs 5 lakh each to the three villages in his constituency which gave him the highest number of votes. He made this statement on Saturday while he was touring in his constituency - Bhokar - to celebrate his landslide win, a seat Chavan won by over one lakh votes.
"How do I express my gratitude? Not only did all of you elect me but you also ensured the opposition is wiped out. I have a list of villages which gave the maximum votes. First on the list is Gargotwadi. At number two, Nekli. Then - Zamli. These three villages have given me the highest votes. I will give them Rs 5 lakh each for development work," said Ashok Chavan, Chief Minister, Maharashtra.
Money for votes...
A shocking statement from no less than the chief minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan.
While touring his constituency Bhokar on Saturday to celebrate his thumping win Chavan announced 5 lakh rupees each for three villages that gave him maximum votes.
Chavan won the Bhokar seat in Nanded district thrashing his nearest rival by over one lakh votes.
The opposition is now up in arms.
"This tantamount to bribing the voters. Tomorrow other MLA may emulate the CM. Essentially it is like saying this is punishment to other voters who haven't voted for him. This is bad for democracy," said Bharat Kumar Raut, Leader, Shiv Sena.
Back in his constituency, the voters are outraged.
"He is not the CM of a village. He is the CM of Maharashtra," said a local resident.
"A king should work for his entire kingdom. He should not be thinking on the lines of who voted for him or who did not. This is partiality," complained another resident of the area.
"Like the elder in a family take care of everyone, the CM should also take care of each and every one," echoed another person.
While it could be argued that what Chavan has done is not illegal because the money ultimately could come from his own MLA funds. But it does raise a question of morality and ethics: how right is it for a person who occupies the highest office in the state to sanction funds for those just because they voted for him?