A ‘suitable’ chief minister: It is just for about 10 months he has been at the helm of affairs in the state. And, twice already he has guided the Congress to victory in the polls. Working 18 hours a day without any break, Ashok Chavan had taken up the challenge to prove his mettle as chief minister. Extremely pleased with the assembly results, he modestly said on Thursday, “The mandate proves that the people have reposed their faith in the government. Our policies have been endorsed by them.”

Not many people know that when Chavan had been hopping between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra in the run-up to the polls, his wife, Amita, had tirelessly campaigned from 6 am to 11 pm in Nanded.

Chavan, 50, is considered a suitable candidate for the CM’s post. A senior leader, who has always steered clear of controversies and dirty politics, he likes to play straight. Unlike Deshmukh, he has his limitations when it comes to garnering support from the elected representatives. But what goes in his favour is the good rapport with the party top brass in New Delhi. He has let his work do the talking for him, and the Centre seems to have taken notice of it. So, unless there is a sinister turn of events, Chavan is likely to remain CM.