Mumbai: At 63, Vilasrao Deshmukh has become the second longest serving chief minister of Maharashtra surpassing the innings of NCP president Sharad Pawar.
On October 30, Deshmukh will complete seven years and three months as chief minister of the state spread over two innings - 1999-2002 and 2004-2008 - a feat Pawar could not achieve despite holding the post four times between 1978 and 1995 with interruptions. However, the bigger milestone which remains unconquered is the 11-year uninterrupted rule of former chief minister Vasantrao Naik.
Talking to DNA at his residence in Varsha the chief minister said, "I would like to define the seven year term as satisfying. But as I step into the eight year, I am aware of the bigger challenges that face me. I have to lead the Democratic Front government to the crucial elections in 2009."
Deshmukh remains non-committal when asked if he were looking forward to serve another five years to break Naik's record. "How can I say anything about that?" he said.
Even the stalwarts like late Yashwantrao Chavan and Vasantdada Patil, known as the chief architects of Maharashtra, have served less than four years at a stretch. Though Pawar achieved the feat of becoming the youngest chief minister at 38, he never managed to complete full tenure.
"I don't want to compare myself with Pawar or Naik, whom I respect a lot. But I would like to admit that I feel proud of my achievements and am grateful for the opportunities provided to me by high command Sonia Gandhi. Leading a coalition government with inbuilt conflict taxing and requires walking the tightrope to ensure perfect balance of power."
Deshmukh said that in the past, when one party lead with absolute majority, the sky was the limit. "In coalition government consensus is central to any important policy making. But I have learnt lessons and I am not complaining as coalition thrives on collective responsibility."
Earlier Deshmukh was also identified with former union home minister SB Chavan's camp - a known rival of Pawar. Deshmukh was among the four young Congress leaders who had raised a banner of revolt against Pawar. Yet, he made it to Pawar's cabinet.
Deshmukh also has the distinction of holding six portfolios in the government. Many years ago Pawar had remarked, "He is among the new ministers who can grasp any subject immediately." But according to many Congress and NCP members, Deshmukh has become complacent over the years.
On the other hand, the chief ministers long list of policy decisions taken under his tenure speaks for itself. "If Maharashtra remains the most favoured destination for investment, domestic as well foreign, it is a reflection on good governance and political ambience," he said.
