Compromise but not in Fundamentals
Except on fundamentals Chavan is all for compromise and accommodation in public life. In fact, according to some observers, compromise is the essence of his leadership. To those who would like him to be more radical Chavan's answer is clear: "All that I can say is that my approach has become more realistic because socialism is not just an idea to be talked about; with the achievement of power it has become something to be actually fulfilled, something to be made accessible to the people. It is something to be lived and achieved by young people who really speaking do not understand what socialism means. In short, it has to be made a way of life. From that point of view it has certainly made me somewhat realistic. The romantic ideas of socialism of my youth have become more earthly ideas. . . . There is also another aspect of it. Social growth even for the fulfilment of socialist ideology has to take its shape according to the conditions prevailing in a particular country. That is why we use the term 'Socialistic Pattern of Society' to make it suit Indian conditions." On the execution of a socialistic programme he is equally clear: "Unfortunately, many people still link up the idea of introducing a socialistic programme with dictatorial methods and that is why adverse comparisons are made. They forget the basic differences in our methods. I say this because here in our land everything has to be achieved with the willing co-operation of the people."
Mahabaleshwar Shibir
The Shibir of the Congress leaders and workers of the State of Maharashtra that he had organized at Mahabaleshwar last year was a classical example of the type of leadership that Chavan givesvital, rejuvenating and inspiring. Surrounded by thousands of representatives, who had come from far and near, he sat with them from early morning till late at night listening to the humblest of them and made him feel important.