New Delhi: Replacement of a dalit as Chief Minister will not affect the Congress in Maharashtra, caretaker Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and his successor-to-be Vilasrao Deshmukh said today (Oct 30, 2004).

"Dalits have been represented well by the Congress, in the party as well as in Government," Shinde, a dalit leader, told reporters in New Delhi.

His replacement will not affect Congress in the State, he said.

Speaking in a similar vein, Deshmukh said caste equations had not succeeded in Maharashtra as the State was in the forefront in implementing social reforms.

"There has been a tradition in Maharashtra, the Chief Minister is never chosen on caste lines," he said.

Shinde said the Congress gives its members equal opportunity considering the capacity of the individual.

He listed free power to farmers, life insurance for students and a State Budget aimed at providing social justice as key achievements of his Government.

"My wish of having good infrastructure for Mumbai, however, remains unfulfilled," Shinde said adding that he would discuss the same with the new Chief Minister.

Asked if he was shocked to see Deshmukh being named as the Chief Minister, he replied in the negative.