Mumbai: The performance ‘report’ card handed over to the state’s Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) at a meeting in Mumbai on October 9, has now become a headache for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He has denied that a survey was conducted by any agency and MLAs and MPs were handed report cards based on their performance, although his party colleagues, including ministers, have came forward to disclose their scores based on the survey.
The Free Press Journal had reported the story on October 11, naming a BJP Union minister and some MLAs who received failing grades from voters who participated in the survey. When questioned on the subject in New Delhi on Thursday, Fadnavis suggested reporters ask the agency.
Vinod Tawade, minister for school education, too denied that a survey had been conducted but agreed legislators need to improve their performance in the near future. However, a cabinet colleague of Fadnavis, who is also a minister, revealed off-the-record, report cards have been given to every MP and MLA in the state. He said, “It’s confidential, so I cannot disclose details.” This minister further claimed to have received an ‘A’ grade because he had worked hard and performed the best.
Former minister Eknath Khadse clarified his daughter-in-law and MP Raksha Khadse had received a 56 per cent score from her voters in Raver Lok Sabha constituency, while he had received 51 per cent marks. Addressing the media at Jalgaon, Khadse said, “Reports that Raksha is in the danger zone (performance-wise), is false. Raksha’s report card said 38 per cent voters were happy with her work, while two per cent of them were ready to see Raksha continue as their representative. Thirty-five per cent voters have said the candidate should be changed in the next poll, while nine per cent voters remained neutral.”
