Shinde goes to AP Raj Bhavan

As expected, Andhra Pradesh Governor Surjit Singh Barnala was transferred to Tamil Nadu to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of P.S. Ramamohan Rao. The UPA Government decided on shifting Barnala, a former Akali politician, apparently at the bidding of DMK president M. Karunanidhi.

Barnala had endeared himself to Karunanidhi when he refused to recommend dismissal of his government in 1991.

The President asked Jharkhand Governor Ved Marwah to hold additional charge of Bihar following the vacancy created by the resignation of M. Rama Jois, while Haryana Governor A.R. Kidwai was told to take additional charge as Punjab Governor following the resignation of O.P. Verma.

After the meeting with Sonia, a visibly nervous Shinde told reporters that his removal from the state’s political scene would not affect the Congress. When asked if it would not send a negative signal to the Dalits, Shinde said: ‘‘Dalits have been represented very well by the Congress, in the party as well as in the government’’.

Sources in the party claimed that Sonia, taken aback by the NCP’s march to the top slot, had turned to Vilasrao Deshmukh to revive the party. Being a Maratha himself, he could provide a counter-nucleus to the Marathas, who had consolidated behind NCP president Sharad Pawar. Unlike Shinde, an amiable politician, Deshmukh had the acumen to go deep into the NCP den and checkmate Pawar. However, Deshmukh sought to hide this mission. ‘‘I am not here to challenge anyone,’’ he said when asked if he was going to counter Pawar.

The Maratha lobby in the Congress argued that Shinde had been too liberal in conceding seats to the NCP. Even after the announcement of results, Shinde kept a neutral stance during the 11-day tussle with the NCP. However, there was no denying the fact that Pawar conceded the chief ministership to the Congress, hoping that Shinde would head the government.