I’m not eyeing CM’s post, says Ranjit Deshmukh

MUMBAI, JAN 3: State Agriculture Minister Ranjit Deshmukh today toned down his Chief Ministerial ambitions saying ``there is no question o...

MUMBAI, JAN 3: State Agriculture Minister Ranjit Deshmukh today toned down his Chief Ministerial ambitions saying “there is no question of my staking the claim since the post is not vacant as of now”.

Deshmukh, who created ripples in political circles by stating that he was a claimant for the Chief Minister’s post yesterday, told reporters here that now his priority was stability of the Democratic Front (DF) Government. “I don’t think there is scope for me to become Chief Minister for next five years”, he replied to a query adding “I am ready to wait for more years also”.

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.

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When asked to comment on MPCC chief Prataprao Bhosle’s formula of one-man one-post, Deshmukh, a former MPCC chief, said, “a deadline must be set if the principle has to be implemented”.

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 owners’ proposal of shifting the mills from Mumbai to other places, he said.

Free education for girls till degree likely

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The State Government was considering a proposal to provide free education to girl students till degree level, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said today.