Mumbai: After initial trends indicated a favourable position for the Congress in Vidarbha, former MPCC (Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee) chief Ranjit Deshmukh has decided to throw hat in the ring for the Chief Ministership.

Deshmukh, who is leading in the Nagpur West Assembly constituency, told newsmen in Nagpur today, "If service to the people and party is criterion for Chief Ministership, then I too have significant contribution."

When asked if he wished to stake claim on the Chief Ministership, Deshmukh shot back, "Who does not aspire for the post?"

However, he added that the decision rests with party president Sonia Gandhi and the elected MLAs who will choose the new leader.

Deshmukh said that the Congress' Government at the Centre and the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) taken up by it has helped improve party position in Vidarbha.