Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Thursday emerged triumphant over his rivals. Deshmukh succeeded in nominating his close confidants?Manikrao Thakre (Maratha) and Jayawantrao Awale (dalit)?as the president and the working president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).
Formal announcement of their induction is likely soon. On top of it, the CM also thwarted revenue minister Narayan Rane?s attempt to score a browny point over him after the party high command refused to accept his resignation over Videocon land allotment dispute. Rane has been asked to continue as the minister. He has also been offered a post of election campaign committee chief.
Further, Deshmukh has been given a green signal to expand his council of ministers. It is expected that the much-awaited expansion may take place on August 18. Deshmukh while talking over the phone confirmed this to FE on Thursday after meeting with the Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
On the other hand, Rane has been left with a limited choice. By rejecting his resignation, the party high command has indicated he would have to accept Deshmukh?s leadership or chose his future path. When contacted Rane, who is travelling in his home district Sindhudurg, refused to comment on these developments. However, political analysts claim Rane, who will return to Mumbai after attending a flag hoisting function, may resign to form a new political outfit.
Congress party sources told FE ?Deshmukh has become more stronger now. He was able to convince the party high command that Rane and alike are no good for the party and he may be given a chance to lead the party in the forthcoming assembly elections which are slated for September?October 2009. Besides, Rane?s outburst against the state government in particular has gone down well at the level of party high command as the latter feels it has sent out a wrong signal in the party and given a readymade food for the opposition Shiv Sena-BJP.?
