Day of the young and old

It was like a baby’s day out for Praniti Shinde, the daughter of central minister of power Sushilkumar Shinde. Shinde escorted Praniti to her first ever Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting held at the Vidhan Bhavan on Saturday.

There was immense curiosity and shutter-bugs had a field day as they asked Praniti to pose for pictures on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan. “I am happy to be here amidst stalwarts,” mumbled a shy Praniti. Shinde, meanwhile, was beaming from ear to ear introducing his daughter to all Congress workers and leaders.

Among the legislators attending, over 100 were first-timers. Many lost their way into the Vidhan Bhavan searching for the meeting place. Some of the legislators played safe as they latched onto a few seniors to get confidence to face the media.

One woman legislator among the first-timers is Yashomati. Being the general secretary of the youth Congress, she says she is proud to be a member of Rahul Gandhi’s team. She has a picture of Rahul saved as a screensaver on her mobile phone. “I am proud to be a member of Rahulji’s team. I have a learnt a lot from him,” said Thakur.

Among the stalwarts is SR Patil from Shirol. This 89-year-old legislator is fondly called Saare Patil and is the oldest stalwart to be part of the government. “How did you recognise me? I am happy to be back here,” said Patil as he received the maximum congratulations from the media for defeating the candidate from Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana.

However, efforts of trying to disrupt the CLP meeting fell flat as AK Antony, the All India Congress Committee observer gave instructions to Manikrao Thakre, president of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee as soon as they entered the premises. “Please do not waste time holding a meeting. Let’s get to the agenda immediately and wrap up the session fast,” Antony said.

The CLP meeting was to begin at 3.00pm. The chief minister Ashok Chavan, Thakre and Antony made an entry together. Rajendra Shekhawat, interestingly, walked in much later, guided by a family member. Shekhawat was another one to create a stir in the media being the son of the President.

However, the one to take the last piece of the cake and get his share of publicity was none other than former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, whose body language conveyed a lot of confidence.

The CLP was slated to take place with a lot of fireworks as cabinet ministers Narayan Rane, Patangrao Kadam and Deshmukh are at loggerheads to get the coveted post of chief minister. These leaders’ show of strength could be seen when they came along with their coteries and chamchas.