Congress leadership is likely to decide the fate of Maharashtra chief minister, today (December 4). According to media reports, both Pranab Mukherjee and A K Antony will reach Mumbai to decide the name of new chief minister of the state. The Congress party is reported to have already accepted the resignation of Maharashtra chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

 

While talking to media on this regard, A K Antony revealed that the party has personally asked Vilasrao Deshmukh to quit his office following the 26/11 Mumbai attack. The resignation of Shivraj Patil from the office of union home ministry and that of RR Patil as the state’s deputy chief minister had added more pressure on Deshmukh. Although there is a slight chance for Deshmukh to stay, but his opponents are quite determined to see his back.

 

The names of Vikhe-Patil, Ashok Chavan, Narayan Rane and Prithviraj Chavan are considered as the frontrunners for the Chief Minister’s office. However, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) seems reluctant to induct Prithviraj Chavan as Deshmukh's successor. NCP is likely to decide the possible replacement of R R Patil.

 

In a statement, Sharad Pawar's party said that with three months to go for elections, an experienced leader is needed to handle the situation at this critical time. Possible names for the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra include Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil.