White Paper to be tabled tomorrow, will bare Sena-BJP misdeeds — CM

He said the main objective of presenting the White Paper in both the Houses is to bring to the State’s notice that all is not well on the economic front and that drastic steps need to be taken to restore financial normalcy."We are at the helm of affairs for more than two months now. The manner in which the erstwhile Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government run the affairs, leads one to the conclusion that due care was not taken while taking major policy decisions. When they took over theState’s reigns, the revenue receipt was in surplus (Rs 274 crore), however, when we took over, there is a deficit of Rs 7,000 crore. No doubt we’ll focus on the irregularities of the earlier government, but since we are in the midst of the plan period, we will not be able to take corrective steps immediately," Deshmukh pointed out.

For the next financial plan, exercise for which had already began, the Democratic Front government has already chalked out a comprehensive action plan. Said the Chief Minister: "We will draft the new plan in such a way that more funds will be available for developmental work mainly through financial discipline and better resource mobilisation."

Elaborating his contention, Deshmukh said his Government will simplify the taxation laws in such a manner that the tendency to evade taxes will be reduced drastically, which in turn will help the administration in improving the financial position. "If we tighten only the Sales Tax Department, I am sure, our revenue will go up by at leastRs 2,000 crore," he added.

On the Opposition’s aggressive approach, Deshmukh said since the ruling party has unconditionally revoked the suspension of the seven Shiv Sena members and the Sena-BJP had also withdrawn the no-confidence motion against the Speaker, he now expects that the Opposition will extend its full cooperation in smooth conduct of business.

"While the row over the suspension and no-confidence motion against the Speaker has been resolved, now they have moved a no-confidence motion against the Democratic Front Government. I take this opportunity to once again prove the Front’s majority on the floor of the House. I have accepted it as a challenge and we will secure more votes," Deshmukh pointed out.Following the motion submitted by the embattled Opposition, Deshmukh has already launched an exercise to mobilise the support of the constituents of the Front. "While I am trying to pursue the Opposition to withdraw the motion, I am also holding meetings with the members of the constituentparties," Deshmukh added.

On the law and order situation, Deshmukh denied the Opposition’s charge that it was deteriorating and the situation was much better during the Sena-BJP rule. "I don’t agree with their contention. On the basis of the incidents reported in Mumbai, it will be wrong to say that the law and order situation is deteriorating," he said. Deshmukh remarked that while the crimes in the metropolis are by and large related to property matters of intra-gang disputes, the incidents in other parts of the State is completely different in nature. "When we discuss law and order situation, Mumbai can not be the yardstick. Despite such a situation, we are examining each and every murder case," he said.

Deshmukh said the much-discussed election for the Deputy Speaker’s post will be held in the ensuing week. "We will contest the election and I am sure, in view of our majority, it should not be difficult for us to win the post," he added.