Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today (Oct 16, 2004) sidestepped queries on the head of the next Government, but dropped enough hints to suggest that he too was in the race.

While dodging questions on the issue by stating that it was prerogative of the Congress leadership to decide upon, Shinde did not leave the opportunity to make a point that the party was benefited by appointing a dalit as the Chief Minister.

"People used to term me as a dalit. But look what fate BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) was met (because of me) in the State," Shinde said to suggest that the DF (Democratic Front) Government under his leadership succeeded to ward off the threat of BSP from making a dent.

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He was speaking to newsmen at his official residence Varsha this evening.

Shinde's reply to a question on his decision to retire from State politics also spoke about his quest to stay in race for the Chief Ministership.

"I have certainly said that I will not contest Assembly polls next time. This also means that I will stay here for another five years," he said.

Stating that his was perhaps the lone case where a dalit was elected legislator from an open seat, Shinde thanked the Solapur electorate and the party for his victory.

Earlier, Shinde said the electorate has awarded a "strong punishment" to the Opposition for making a false propaganda about performance of the Democratic Front Government.

"People have rejected the Opposition propaganda and have punished them for speaking untrue things," Shinde said.