Vilasrao Deshmukh, Narayan Rane unite against Ashok Chavan

Former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and revenue minister Narayan Rane, arch rivals once upon a time, came together on a dais and attacked chief minister Ashok Chavan and his government on Saturday.

Rane sarcastically spoke about the efficiency of the Mumbai police in connection with the case against his younger son Nitesh. Deshmukh backed the criticism and said that his government never worked in that fashion.

Deshmukh said that it was delightful for him to hear that the police department has become ‘extra active’ and ‘efficient’. “During my tenure as chief minister, the police department used to investigate the case before taking any action,” he said.

Deshmukh generously showered praise on Rane. “As a revenue minister, he is working in public interest and with great efficiency. He was always known to be a studious and efficient politician, even during his reign as the leader of opposition in the state assembly,” Deshmukh said.

Deshmukh was a chief guest at the second anniversary celebration of Prahar, a Marathi daily controlled by Narayan Rane, at the Shanmukhananda Hall in Matunga on Saturday. Eyebrows were raised as chief minister Chavan did not find place on the list of invitees, and Deshmukh’s name was on the top. Rane also lambasted the electronic media for targetting him and his son Nitesh in the recent firing allegations at the latter’s office.