Mohite-Patil bags deputy CM’s post

MUMBAI: Faced with the prospect of a revolt by supporters of PWD minister Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar named him as deputy chief minister on Thursday, but denied him the crucial home portfolio. The new home minister will be R.R. Patil (48), who was handling the rural development portfolio.
Mr Mohite-Patil (60) replaces former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who was in charge of the home ministry.Even as the NCP office at Nariman Point witnessed feverish activity, Mr Bhujbal complained of chest pain and was admitted to Breach Candy hospital.
He was admitted to the same hospital last week, but was discharged after two days. Both chief minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Mr Mohite-Patil belong to Solapur district in western Maharashtra. The new home minister also has his origins in the same geographic region, hailing from Sangli.
On Wednesday, NCP legislators who could not arrive at a consensus had passed a resolution authorising Mr Pawar to select the new deputy CM. Mr Pawar then started individually ascertaining the MLAs’ views.
He was scheduled to hold a press conference at the NCP office at Nariman Point at noon on Thursday to announce the name of the new deputy CM.
He did meet mediapersons, but said the chief minister would make an announcement. He had obviously not been able to take a decision in view of the pressure mounted by the aspirants, which included Mr Mohite-Patil, Madhukar Pichad and Dr Padamsinh Patil.
After the last assembly polls, despite mustering the support of 25 of the 58 MLAs, Mr Mohite-Patil’s claim had been overlooked by Mr Pawar, who opted to back Mr Bhujbal who wears an OBC tag.
Fearing that history may repeat itself,Mr Mohite-Patil is believed to have put his foot down this time around. Sources close to him said the possibility of a revolt was real even though Mr Mohite-Patil denied it.