Mumbai: Putting up a brave face amidst indications of his exit, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on January 13 night said he had not received any directive from Congress high command to quit, but would do so if asked.

Deshmukh, who returned from New Delhi after meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi, told reporters at his official residence that he would resign if asked by the party high command.

"I am a true soldier of the party," he said, adding a three-member All India Congress Committee (AICC) delegation would arrive in Mumbai on January 15 to ascertain the views of the party Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and leaders.

"I cannot say anything about tomorrow," Deshmukh said in reply to a question indicating that he may have to step down.

In a philosophical mood, a weary-looking Deshmukh said, "Aaj to mein hoon par rajniti mein kal ki baat kaun bata sakta hain." (I am here today, but who can say what will happen tomorrow in politics.)

He admitted having differences with state party chief Govindrao Adik, but said efforts of "patching up are on".

Deshmukh expressed satisfaction over his tenure as Chief Minister of the state for three years.

"After Vasantrao Naik, I am the only Congress Chief Minister to complete three years in office," Deshmukh said.

Deshmukh ruled out the outcome of Gujarat polls for the change of guard in Maharashtra.

To a query whether he nursed any grudge against Industry Minister Patangrao Kadam and Agriculture Minister Rohidas Patil for their opposition, Deshmukh said, "I don't blame anyone."

When asked whether he was fully satisfied with his performance as Chief Minister, he said, "I am not fully satisfied, there were many compulsions as I was heading a coalition government, but I have made an honest attempt to give my best."

About the sudden political development, he said AICC general secretary Vyalar Ravi, in charge of party affairs in Maharashtra had telephoned him in the morning asking him to come to Delhi.

"Even I had sought an appointment with party president Sonia Gandhi," Deshmukh said.

To a query why he evaded reporters in Delhi, Deshmukh said, "I was to meet Ravi after my meeting with Gandhi, how can I respond to media without meeting Ravi?"

Asked to comment on Sharad Pawar's pre-poll alliance between Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Deshmukh said, "There are differences in our party over the matter and a decision in this regard would be taken by the party central leadership."

PTI