Switching roles from administrative duties to party politics, Deshmukh has tough days ahead of the civic polls. He speaks to DNA...
At 11.30am on Tuesday, Varsha, the official residence of Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, is abuzz with business as usual — that too on a public holiday. Half a dozen bureaucrats are busy in discussions with the Chief Minister.
Notwithstanding the election code of conduct, the city’s unpredictable 24/7 problems make it quite impossible for the Chief Minister to lower the guard. Switching roles from administrative duties to party politics, Deshmukh has tough days ahead of the civic polls. Despite the hectic schedule, he takes time off to talk to Shubhangi Khapre on a host of issues.
How significant are the Mumbai civic polls to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra?
To me, it is not a mere political exercise. Its significance is related to carrying ahead the state government’s commitment to transform Mumbai into a world-class city with a human face. The blueprint for turning Mumbai into a financial hub is already in place. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Planning Commission, the Union Urban Development Ministry and the Union Finance Ministry have given us great support.
Do you think too many parallel bodies — BMC, MHADA, MMRDA — act as hurdle in city’s development?
Unfortunately, dirty politics has turned the administration operations into state versus BMC. But if one analyses objectively, each department has a specific task cut out for development. There are no reasons why MMRDA or MHADA should work against the state government or the BMC.
Ruling parties at the BMC accuse your government of ‘dadagiri’. They feel your government has hijacked its agendas and stalled many projects?
I come from a party which advocates Gandhigiri, and not Dadagiri. That is the most ridiculous charge against me or my government. Whether it is MMRDA or MHADA, those at the helm always have adequate role to play. MHADA with a budget of Rs 3,500 crore had asked the Sena and the BJP to pick and choose projects. The alliance picked only projects worth Rs 800 crore. Moreover, the civic body has a huge budget of Rs 12,000 crore. Why was it not utilised properly?
What is your biggest concern about BMC’s participation in Mumbai development?
It does not matter who comes to power at BMC, but the mindset has to change. One aspect of the civic body is to tackle the daily chores like garbage, sanitation, drinking water and broken pipelines. But other aspect relates to tackling illegal migrants as individual corporators are best equipped to keep a check in his/her own ward.
What are Congress’ chances in the polls?
Of the 10 civic bodies, the Congress is confident of taking a lead in six — Mumbai, Nagpur, Sholapur, Pune, Amravati and Nashik. In Mumbai, the anti-incumbency factor will work against the Sena-BJP. The NCP is still struggling to find its feet in Mumbai.
The Congress -NCP share power in the Assembly, but they are “enemies in local polls? How do you explain this strange relationship?
It is very cordial, and will continue to be so.
Why is the Congress inviting Sharad Pawar to merge the NCP with the Congress?
It is to ensure the NCP does not keep withdrawing from our deposits built painstakingly through our investments. The purpose for which the NCP was formed (opposition to Sonia Gandhi) is no longer an issue. So, NCP standing alone as a party doesn’t make sense.
Are you worried that the NCP will cut into your Dalit and minority vote bank?
The fact that Sharad Pawar had to campaign for civic polls shows its second-rung leaders, including their star campaigner (read RR Patil) failed to woo voters. Our voters will remain in-tact.
How about the son-of-soil issue?
What has the Sena-BJP alliance done for Marathi Manus? They are disillusioned with their rhetoric.
They even brought Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to campaign?
That shows their bankruptcy. It will help us to consolidate secular votes.
Some of your MPs are unhappy over the ticket distribution?
Everybody is working together for a purpose. Govinda was campaigning with me. First he was busy shooting for Bhagam Bhag. Then, Bhagam Bhag culminated in another Govinda-starrer Salaam-e-Ishq. (Laughs)
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