CM seeks to end post-26/11 bitterness by inducting latter’s son Amit into the cabinet in the upcoming expansion.
Chief minister Ashok Chavan appears to have realised the virtue in not having political rivals, especially those who don’t pose an immediate threat. Perhaps that is why he is planning to extend a hand of friendship to Union heavy industries minister Vilasrao Deshmukh by inducting his eldest son Amit into the cabinet.
Amit was elected member of state legislature (MLA) from Latur city in the 2009 assembly elections.
The expansion is long overdue as there are still four vacancies in the Democratic Front government. Given the strength of the state assembly, the cabinet can have up to 42 ministers. At present, there are 38 — 18 from Congress, and 20 of ally Nationalist Congress Party.
A Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) general secretary said, “Chavan serves two purposes by inducting Amit — he would have ended the bitterness created after 26/11, and also ensured Deshmukh is completely out of the fray for chief ministership.”
That makes one rival less for Chavan. Having awarded his other competitor Narayan Rane the significant revenue portfolio, it is almost certain the party will be in no hurry to promote him further. Chavan’s move to mend fences with Deshmukh will therefore ensure his stability for some time, sources reason.
Chavan was candid about the expansion: “It is due, and will happen soon.” Sources in the Congress disclosed to DNA, “The possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, along with appointment of a new Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, is likely by next month.”
The present MPCC chief, Manikrao Thakre, is lobbying for a cabinet berth. Sources close to Thakre said, “With next elections in 2014, there is not much to be done. Thakre has led the Congress to success in both assembly and parliament elections in 2009. He feels he should be rewarded with a cabinet berth.”
Insiders in the party reveal that the conduct of senior minister for forests, Patangrao Kadam, has been under the scanner. A section within the Congress is trying to work out a formula wherein Chavan can get rid of Kadam by rehabilitating him as the MPCC president. But the Chavan camp may not accept the idea readily as it may lead to a new conflict between the government and the party.
Chavan has so far managed to wield enough clout to control both the government and the organisation without inviting much criticism. However, he has realised that he cannot afford to be isolated in the party, especially when its alliance partner has sharpened its attack against him.
Minister of state for home Ramesh Bagwe, who is known for courting controversies, may also be shifted to another portfolio. Home minister RR Patil (NCP) is not happy with his interference and creating controversies in the department. The NCP can now argue for his shifting after Bagwe’s arch rival and NCP favourite Satyapal Singh was recently moved from Pune police commissioner’s post to that of additional director general of police (establishments).
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