
MUMBAI, JAN 3: State Agriculture Minister Ranjit Deshmukh today toned down his Chief Ministerial ambitions saying 8220;there is no question of my staking the claim since the post is not vacant as of now8221;.
Deshmukh, who created ripples in political circles by stating that he was a claimant for the Chief Minister8217;s post yesterday, told reporters here that now his priority was stability of the Democratic Front DF Government. 8220;I don8217;t think there is scope for me to become Chief Minister for next five years8221;, he replied to a query adding 8220;I am ready to wait for more years also8221;.
Deshmukh, who hails from Vidarbha, said the region despite sending more than 30 MLAs had poor representation in the Vilasrao Deshmukh ministry. The disparity should be considered and removed in a reshuffle, he added.
When asked to comment on MPCC chief Prataprao Bhosle8217;s formula of one-man one-post, Deshmukh, a former MPCC chief, said, 8220;a deadline must be set if the principle has to be implemented8221;.
Bhosle had reportedlyasked the Congress ministers to relinquish their organisational posts.
The state government would come out with a comprehensive textile policy soon, Deshmukh, who also holds textile portfolio, said.
Similarly, the Government was considering the mill owners8217; proposal of shifting the mills from Mumbai to other places, he said.
Free education for girls till degree likely