Within a month after C Vidyasagar Rao (73) took over as governor of Maharashtra, President's rule was imposed in the state. It was for the second time in the history of the state that President's rule was being imposed; the first time was from February to June in 1980 when the government was led by current National Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar.
Rao took charge on August 30 and within a fortnight Election Commission of India announced elections. Soon, the ruling alliance (Congress and NCP) split and CM Prithviraj Chavan resigned on Sept 29, and President's rule was imposed. And Rao saw himself taking over the reins of Maharashtra with the responsibility of ensuring proper governance till a new government is formed.
Speaking to dna, Rao, who is from Karimnagar in Telangana state, said he hadn't expected President's rule. However, after he had been entrusted with the responsibility, he has never had any problem nor faced any pressure, he added.
"I had no pressure from anywhere. Political scenario in Maharashtra is very good and the state has functioned smoothly during President's rule," Rao said.
Following in the footsteps of prime minister Narendra Modi, Rao also took up 'Swach Bharat' (Clean India) drive. "The response from people has been huge. There is scope to do a lot more,," Rao said.
As part of the drive, Rao has asked Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to instal as many dust bins as possible across the city. "There are not enough dust bins. Where will people throw trash if we expect them to keep roads and pavements clean?" Rao asked.
"I have asked the corporation to construct underground toilets at Marine Drive so that people can use them and at the same time, maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the area."
On being asked about the new government, Rao refused to comment, saying: "We will wait for the election results to find out who will form the next government. Meanwhile, let us continue doing our good work."
Ever since taking office, Rao has shown keen interest in issues related to women's health care. He has instructed his office to take seriously campaigns like 'Right to Pee'. "I have asked my office to get in touch with officials of the organisation and discuss how to take the campaign forward," Rao said.
Rao was minister of state, Home, in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He did his schooling in Hyderabad, his B Sc at Nanded and law at Osmania University, and later practised law. He later became an active member of the Jan Sang and was elected thrice to Andhra Pradesh assembly (1985, 1989 and 1994) from Metpalli.
Right To Pee campaign?
It's an initiative taken up by 33 NGOs across Mumbai and has stirred quite a storm. The campaigners are demanding that the government build more number of free cleaner and safer toilets in the city for women.
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