While Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh was awaiting the nod from the Congress high command to arrest Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray, whose supporters were on the rampage against North Indian migrants in the state, Deputy CM and Home Minister RR Patil of the NCP had to get the go-ahead from the other power centre in Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar. It was only after Patil talked to the NCP president that the state police proceeded to arrest Thackeray. Having waved the green flag, the Maratha strongman completed his official work and ensconced himself at home to keep himself updated on the events that followed the arrest.
