Deshmukh refuses to bite Pawar8217;s bait

MUMBAI, NOV 17: Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Wednesday refused to get drawn into the controversy generated by Nationalist Congress Party NCP leader Sharad Pawar8217;s criticism of Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

8220;The State Congress unit chief Prataprao Bhosle has already responded to Pawar8217;s statement,8221; Deshmukh told a post Cabinet meeting news conference here. Pawar, addressing the two-day NCP State executive meet in Pune last weekend, had alleged that Congress8217; popularity had reached an all-time low under Sonia8217;s leadership. To a query about NCP leader Tariq Anwar8217;s statement that his party would support BJP on a constitutional amendment seeking to bar persons of foreign origin from assuming high offices, Deshmukh8217;s replied, 8220;It is a national issue and it is their NCP8217;s political stand8221;.

Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal was also present at the press conference. To a query about a demand from other constituents of Democratic Front DF Government that theyshould be consulted before appointing guardian ministers, Deshmukh said, 8220;A decision in this regard will be taken only after holding discussions with all the coalition partners.8221; A steering committee to coordinate among the coalition partners would be set up soon, he said.