Sonia, Pawar to discuss M'rashtra row
The process of change of guards in Maharashtra is set to gain momentum with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar scheduled to discuss the issue on January 2.
By Girish Kuber, TNN |
MUMBAI: The process of change of guards in Maharashtra is set to gain momentum with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar scheduled to discuss the issue on January 2. According to highly-placed sources, the meeting, taking place at the behest of Ms Gandhi, has been convened to inform the NCP head about the Congress’ plan. The Congress, it was told, wants to hear views of its alliance partner before it sets the ball in motion.
“The idea is to listen to Mr Pawar on the issue and brief him on the Congress’ plan. The meeting will also pave the way for the long-pending cabinet expansion in the state,” senior Congress minister said.
It comes close on the heels of a banner of revolt raised by former Shiv Sena leader and revenue minister Narayan Rane against chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.
In a public display of dissent, Mr Rane last week criticised the state government, of which he is a part, of doing nothing for the people. He subsequently indicated of “other alternatives” should the Congress leadership fails to respond to the situation. The Rane camp points out a promise of chief ministership made to him by the Congress high-command when he left the Sena camp. Having waited for long, Mr Rane finally lost his patience last week.
According to sources Ms Gandhi has taken the whole issue very seriously. “Two serious blows in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh have rattled the Congress leadership. More than the defeat it is the prospect in nine states that go to polls over the next 12 months that has the leadership worried,” the Congress leader said. He claimed that a distressed Ms Gandhi even cancelled her year-end vacation.
There are indication that the party organisation in Maharashtra will also get a facelift. State governor S M Krishna soon would be back in Karnataka to lead the Congress in the forthcoming state assembly elections.
“The idea is to listen to Mr Pawar on the issue and brief him on the Congress’ plan. The meeting will also pave the way for the long-pending cabinet expansion in the state,” senior Congress minister said.
It comes close on the heels of a banner of revolt raised by former Shiv Sena leader and revenue minister Narayan Rane against chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.
In a public display of dissent, Mr Rane last week criticised the state government, of which he is a part, of doing nothing for the people. He subsequently indicated of “other alternatives” should the Congress leadership fails to respond to the situation. The Rane camp points out a promise of chief ministership made to him by the Congress high-command when he left the Sena camp. Having waited for long, Mr Rane finally lost his patience last week.
According to sources Ms Gandhi has taken the whole issue very seriously. “Two serious blows in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh have rattled the Congress leadership. More than the defeat it is the prospect in nine states that go to polls over the next 12 months that has the leadership worried,” the Congress leader said. He claimed that a distressed Ms Gandhi even cancelled her year-end vacation.
There are indication that the party organisation in Maharashtra will also get a facelift. State governor S M Krishna soon would be back in Karnataka to lead the Congress in the forthcoming state assembly elections.
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