I did the same to Pawar in 1991: Deshmukh

Sitting under a photograph of Rajiv Gandhi, Vilasrao Dagdojirao Deshmukh, 56, says bouquets and congratulations are becoming frequent in his...

Sitting under a photograph of Rajiv Gandhi, Vilasrao Dagdojirao Deshmukh, 56, says bouquets and congratulations are becoming frequent in his life. ‘‘They happen every two months now,’’ he says, adding that he is used to crises. ‘‘Dissidence and staking claim are all part of the game.’’

‘‘I did the same to Sharad Pawar in 1991. I was a Cabinet member and revolted against him. Now I am at the receiving end. There is nothing new about these things,’’ he adds.

The CM clarifies that he was not ‘‘summoned’’ to New Delhi. He just went there ‘‘to meet the President and the Vice-President’’ and happened to call on the party president to explain the situation. With so many people baying for his blood, who does he trust? ‘‘I trust the party leadership,’’ says Deshmukh.

Story continues below this ad

He has lived through so many crises that the lawyer from Latur is now philosophical about them: ‘‘Everyone wants to be at the top. It’s a natural feeling. Today, they are clamouring for a change. Tomorrow, they will come to me to get their work done.’’

Isn’t it tough when there are so many people trying for his chair? ‘‘That makes it easier for me,’’ he says. As long as there is no alternative (TINA, he emphasises), Deshmukh thinks he does not have to worry.

‘‘I inherited a lot of half-done things from the Sena-BJP government, which I am trying to finish. In the second half, I am going to implement programmes that are visible,’’ he counters charges of non-performance.

Isn’t there a chance of the party dumping him ahead of the polls and going to the people with a fresh face? Deshmukh thinks history is on his side. ‘‘The BJP and the Sena have tried it and failed. ’’

Story continues below this ad

But will he be able to perform in the second half with the pressure from the coalition and from within? ‘‘These things may have affected the performance of the government but not significantly. We are now looking at plans for each constituency and will be talking to each MLA,’’ he says.

Tired after a hectic day, the CM says: ‘‘These things have not affected my routine. I begin my official day as usual at 10 and it goes on till 10, 11….’’ A huge crowd is still waiting outside while a packet of mithai is being passed around.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India41 min ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog