Deshmukh blames lack of planning for loss

Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh attributed the poor performance of the Congress in the civic elections in Maharashtra to “lack of political planning”.

Deshmukh refused to be drawn into political issues, saying he was here to discuss the state plan with the Planning Commission. Asked about the infighting within the party and the Congress’ failure to come to an understanding with Sharad Pawar’s NCP, he said it was improper and inadequate planning that led to the debacle in the polls.

Reacting to Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh’s reported statement that Sharad Pawar should return to Congress, Deshmukh said there was merit in such demands.

“The issues and situation now have changed and the reasons for which he left no longer hold good,” he said.

He said the party was yet to examine the whole issue of election results and nothing definitive could be said about it now. Deshmukh is reportedly slated to meet AICC leaders on Thursday.

Speaking about the meeting in the Planning Commission, Deshmukh said Maharashtra has got more than what it asked for and it was a big jump from the allocation last year.

“For the first year of 11th Plan, the Planning Commission has sanctioned Rs20, 200 crore plan. Last year’s plan was Rs 14,800 crore,” he said.

As for priorities of the state government, he said the first would be power: “Maharashtra faces a load shedding of 5,000 MW and this is creating much unrest among people whose anger is spilling over every now and then.”

He, however, said there was no immediate relief in sight and “the coming two months were going to be even more difficult”. But, by 2010, the state would get 7-7.5 thousand MW more of power, he said.