Vilasrao Deshmukh adopts 'wait and watch' policy

NAGPUR: Former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has adopted a "wait and watch" policy after quitting the post and is ready to take the responsibility entrusted to him by the Congress.

"Whatever responsibility Congress high command entrusts to me... I will abide by the decision," said Deshmukh while talking to reporters at a luxury hotel in Sadar in Nagpur.

When asked about any offers from party higher ups, he said, "There is nothing like offer in the party and it is only directive for which I am always ready."

He was a disciplined soldier and never sought anything nor expected much, Deshmukh said in an obvious reference to his bete noire Narayan Rane who was nurturing the ambitions of becoming chief minister of Maharashtra.

There are no set rules and designs in politics. One has to adjust to whatever comes in their way, Deshmukh said.

When reminded about his remarks on Rane's ambitions to become chief minister, that a new daughter in law takes time to adjust in the family, Deshmukh said, "as long as I was at the helm of affairs, I accommodated him."

Deshmukh, elaborating the Sion-Panvel toll tax scam in which state BJP president Nitin Gadkari has alleged his (Deshmukh) involvement, said the cabinet sub-committee had cleared the proposal and records are now available for verifications.

Deshmukh said that he will serve a notice to Gadkari for defaming him.