Deshmukh bids farewell to Varsha

The silver stars dangling on the roof top of the sprawling chief ministerial bungalow, Varsha, in Malabar Hills has lost its shine. Vilasrao Deshmukh is all set to bid farewell to the bungalow that was his home for more than seven years. On Thursday, Deshmukh with his family would move to his private home in Worli.

Seated in his office designed by his actor and architect son Reitesh, the former chief minister is busy at his desk attending to his duties as a senior political leader of the Congress. Sporting a cotton green shirt, Deshmukh appears to have reconciled to the change in his political career.

His mobile phone, however, keeps him busy. Whether it is a political buddy seeking guidance or some woman asking for police help to tackle those harassing her in the building, the nature of calls vary. Two days ago he visited the family of senior police officer Ashok Kamte in Pune.

“The seat of power comes and goes. But as a Congress worker I will continue to do my duties assigned to me. Yes, I am going to attend the winter session in Nagpur from next week,” he said. “Nobody gets anything before the destined time.” And this philosophy has helped Deshmukh retain the smile even after losing the hot seat. “It is a roller coaster ride. One has courted defeats and successes. But that doesn’t stop one from doing his duty.”

Unlike other politicians who spend time sulking after being divested of prime portfolios; Deshmukh took Sonia Gandhi’s decision in his stride reverting to the Congress worker mould and lending a helping hand to get his junior Ashok Chavan in the chief minister’s seat.