Homepage > Interviews > There is no threat to my government; Bal Thackeray is not above the law
 |  In

There is no threat to my government; Bal Thackeray is not above the law

hindustan-times

From sarpanch of obscure Bhabalgaon village in Latur district to chief minister of Maharashtra, the 54-year-old Vilasrao Deshmukh has come a long way. He believes it was his density to become chief minister. Excerpts from a conversation

The fortnight-old Congress NCP government seems to be in perpetual crisis. How will you keep the flock together?
This is our first experience of forming a coalition government in Maharashtra. The mandate (69 percent for secular forces) was for keeping the communal forces out of a power. There was a lot of pressure from workers and Males from both sides and even the Left to form a stable government. There were problems as we had fought the elections against each other. There was also resistance at certain levels. But in the larger interest of the state, we decided to form the government.

But there have been so many problems….
Yes, everyone has been watching this for the last 15 days. We have to face it and solve it. On Thursday, the problem was about the ministry’s size. In a coalition, every partner has to be satisfied- and it’s a great job for a chief minister to keep him or her all together.

The Congress has been very giving, though the NCP has just 58 MLAs and the Congress 75.
That’s not issue. When you are the number one, the pressure is more on you. I have to coordinate between different partners. Naturally, other parties will have more demands and, at times, it is not possible to satisfy all. But we are trying to keep all the forces together. Most of the problems have been sorted out. We (Congress) were number one- and that wasn’t negotiable. The government has started functioning.

How will you resolve future problems?
We will have a coordination committee on the Kerala pattern. Controversial issues and other differences will be referred to this committee and it will sort out any differences.

Aren’t your squabbles sending a wrong signal to the people?
This is just the beginning. But as we go along, everybody will mind his or her department. There is perfect coordination as we have worked together earlier. There might be some new faces, but we have past experience of running the government.

The NCP has indicated it might vote with the BJP-led NDA government in the Lok Sabha if it decides to amend the people’s Representation Act to debar persons of foreign origin from holding high posts…
My position or the Congress position will be the same as the high commands. We will follow our president’s directions.

Bal Thackeray “remote controlled” the Shiv Sena government. Will you be remote controlled by the party high command?
No. There is a lot of differences in that remote control (Thackeray) and the high command. Our high command does not involve itself in the government’s day to day functioning. It gives guidelines, and we seek guidelines only on important issues like expansion, dropping someone, etc, where the party is important. But it does not interfere in, say, transfers or awarding of tenders.
You have said Maharashtra is on the verge of bankruptcy. What is the exact picture?
We are preparing a white paper. The previous government incurred debts to the tune of Rs 45,000 crore. We need Rs 5-6,000 crore to pay installments and interest. I want the people of Maharashtra to know their reality. Thy should know our limitations as expectations are high because of the change in government. We will try to improve the situation by generating more resources and simplifying taxation laws, etc. I will take advice from private financial experts. We have to do something.

Investments in Maharashtra have been on the downslide. Industrials have lost confidence……
True. Our number one priority is to regain their trust. The previous government’s priorities were different. Many investors were not treated properly…some people tried to exact… there was extortion. Investors were not happy. We should roll out the red carpet to investors-Indian or foreign. We will focus on the information technology sector. We should regain our glory.

Will you reviewing Phase II of Enron’s Dabhol Power Project?
The worry about Phase II is the price. We will have to see that whatever Enron produces should be competitive. But we have to re-examine it from all angles and then only take a decision.

What about the report of the Srikrishna Commission on the Mumbai riots of 1992-93? Bal Thackeray publicly warned at his Dussehra rally that there would be dire consequences if the recommendations were implemented.
That is his style. Nobody is above the law.

Not even Bal Thackeray?
Nobody. We will study the report and discuss it in the Cabinet. Home Minister Bhujbal is looking into the entire issue. There will be no hasty action.
What about the Sena-BJP’s claim that there were no riots during their governance?
Those who were instigating riots earlier were in power.

You fear problems now.
Let us see. If something happens, you need not ask why it is happening now and why it was not happening then.

Are you taking any special steps to protect the minorities in Maharashtra?
Yes. We have revived the minorities commission. A special economic development board for minorities has been set up. The minorities are returning to the Congress.

At the Dussehra rally, Bal Thackeray said the saffron flag would soon fly atop Mantralaya (Maharashtra government headquarters). There is talk the Sena-BJP will undermine your government in the Budget session.
The Sena-BJP had its opportunity. The governor called them first. But they could not muster the numbers. From where will they get the numbers? Heaven?

What about independents?
Even if all Independents go to the Sena-BJP, nothing will happen. The Sena-BJP, nothing tried it during the election of the Speaker and the confidence motion. They did not succeed. I do not see any threat to my government in the near future.

How long will your government last?
Five years. You must understand that it is a collective responsibility. The government will collapse only when any partner wants it to discontinue. There is no option but to continue (together).

By Ketan Narottam Tanna

Comments: 1,564 replies added

  1. 纖腰 October 5, 2018

    CLINIQUE 倩碧線上購物官網。瀏覽Clinique倩碧官方網站，了解更多線上購物、護膚、彩粧、香氛及禮品詳情。通過過敏性測試，百分百不含香料。 https://skinac.com/tag/纖腰

  2. 送貨時間 October 5, 2018

    行為定向 http://www.bizonrails.com/

  3. Laser facial October 6, 2018

    100有機潤唇膏 雙頭磨沙滋潤豐唇膏 滋潤豐唇蜜 亮彩保濕口紅 亮彩保濕唇蜜 持久亮麗雙頭唇彩 唇線筆 唇膏筆 抗炎作用原理：內環境平衡，增強陰道內免疫力 CO2可本質的改變組織特性，使粘膜組織新生 陰道上皮細胞功能增強，大量糖原在陰道桿菌作用下分解成乳酸，逐步恢復陰道正常的PH值 免疫力增強，降低私密處感染 http://cosmedicbook.com/treatments/info/Laser-facial

  4. Wealth Link Credit 富通信貸 » 貸款需知 October 7, 2018

    樓宇按揭是一種有抵押借貸。借款人須按雙方同意的利率及還款年期，按時向承按人支付本金及利息。 http://wealthlink.hk/?page_id=122

  5. 一般網店 October 8, 2018

    無限睿智機器人 http://www.bizonrails.com/

  6. 增肥 October 9, 2018

    快速恢復肌膚水分，修復平衡，瞬間軟化並舒緩肌膚。無油。 https://skinac.com/tag/增肥

  7. 醫學美容 全腳 cosmetic.wiki October 11, 2018

    【情人節】男朋友禮物特輯！7份男友最想收到的智能電子產品 Marie Claire (HK) Edition 眨下眼又到情人節，大家準備好給男朋友的禮物沒有？男生最想收到的禮物離不開Switch、PS4、打機專用滑鼠鍵盤等等，但作為一個精明的女朋友，當然要送一些他又喜歡、自己又可以從中得益的禮物啦！還在煩惱送 https://cosmetic.wiki/tag/全腳

  8. 醫學美容 HPV9合1子宮頸癌疫苗 Gardasil October 13, 2018

    來自瑞士的Teosyal®透明質酸，是由世界第三大以透明質酸為基礎的TEOXANE藥廠研發。Teosyal ®Redensity II® 是專門為眼部肌膚而設計的透明質酸。屬於半鏈結透明質酸的Redensity II® ，輕微吸濕力可減少水腫。 半鏈結透明質酸的柔軟度較高，於注射之後不會產主粒狀問題。可撫平中度皺紋，主要用於淚溝、額紋、手部填充、木偶紋、豐唇、耳珠、太陽穴、人中、面頰填充、虎紋 http://cosmedicbook.com/treatments/info/HPV9合1子宮頸癌疫苗-Gardasil

  9. 醫學美容 美療 cosmetic.wiki October 15, 2018

    A-DERMA 艾芙美 美妝品牌情報匯集 找品牌 A-DERMA 艾芙美 A-DERMA 艾芙美 ，匯集了A-DERMA 艾芙美乳霜,身體乳霜,沐浴露,全家護理系列,特殊清潔護理系列,異位性皮膚炎護理系列 https://cosmetic.wiki/tag/美療

  10. 醫學美容 玻尿酸隆鼻 cosmetic.wiki October 17, 2018

    蘇黎世大學神經資訊研究所及蘇黎世聯邦綜合理工學院（EPFZ）教授高許（Arko Ghosh）研究 臉打肉毒影響手觸感 @ 察爾斯大夫 美麗殿堂 Dr. Charles Meridien Palace :: 痞客邦 :: 蘇黎世大學神經資訊研究所及蘇黎世聯邦綜合理工學院（EPFZ）教授高許（Arko Ghosh）研究臉打肉毒影響手觸感 【中央社╱布魯塞爾26日專電】 2013.11.27 瑞士媒體報導，蘇 https://cosmetic.wiki/tag/玻尿酸隆鼻

  11. 醫學美容 格仔舖 cosmetic.wiki October 20, 2018

    專痔你的痛!微創痔瘡手術-術前術後注意事項 微創痔瘡手術,近乎完美的痔瘡治療方案,由擁有多年外科經驗,中西醫雙學士,痔瘡權威鍾雲霓醫師親自操刀,解決您私密出血疼痛,搔癢難耐的煩惱-手術前後注意事項完整告訴您 https://cosmetic.wiki/tag/格仔舖

  12. 醫學美容-免沖水-蘆薈-cosmetic-wiki October 26, 2018

    流行時尚: 消脂針剷除脂肪？效果怎樣勒？聽說很多人都愛用 流行時尚: 消脂針剷除脂肪？效果怎樣勒？聽說很多人都愛用 https://cosmetic.wiki/tags/免沖水-蘆薈

  13. Football Solutions Women's Under-19 - Teams November 7, 2018

    The Boateng name is already known in this country after Kevin-Prince's Wembley heroics for Portsmouth earlier this month, but it is about to become even more familiar... Jerome Boateng bound for Manchester City despite brother's nightmare at Spurs https://bit.ly/2JCArSc

  14. futbol.run Charlton's pitch battle November 24, 2018

    Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and his Manchester City counterpart Roberto Mancini have dismissed claims the two clubs were considering a swap deal involving Carlos Tevez and Andy Carroll. No chance! Dalglish and Mancini pour water on Tevez and Carroll swap chat https://bit.ly/2S3sXus

  15. berkey November 28, 2020

    Paragraph writing is also a excitement, if you know then you can write if not it is complex to write.| berkey https://binged.it/3o5mC1D

  16. the feed December 24, 2020

    Hi to every body, it's my first go to see of this web site; this weblog contains amazing and actually excellent material for visitors.| the feed http://www.dorak.com.br/erapido/plugins/erapido.banner/clique.php?id=10&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26source%3Dweb%26url%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fthefeed.com

  17. the feed December 25, 2020

    I know this web page presents quality dependent articles and additional data, is there any other site which gives these stuff in quality?| the feed https://www.mytown.ie/log_outbound.php?business=118705&type=website&url=http://www.authorstream.com/ClifBar2/

  18. the feed December 25, 2020

    With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of exclusive content I've either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any ways to help stop content from being stolen? I'd genuinely appreciate it.| the feed http://love.okchatroom.com/lovelove/link.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26source%3Dweb%26url%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fthefeed.com

  19. thefeed December 26, 2020

    Heya i'm for the first time here. I came across this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something again and help others such as you helped me.| thefeed http://www.fajiao.org/go.php?go=communitywalk.com%2Fmap%2Findex%2F2399399

  20. Anderson January 5, 2021

    Taxi moto line 128 Rue la Boétie 75008 Paris +33 6 51 612 712   Taxi moto paris Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly. Here is my web site - hey

  21. atmospheric water generator price in india January 6, 2021

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I've truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!| atmospheric water generator price in india http://feeds.hanselman.com/%7E/t/0/0/scotthanselman/%7Earchitizer.com%2Ffirms%2Fatmospheric-water-generator%2F/

  22. superbeets January 16, 2021

    Woah! I'm really loving the template/theme of this website. It's simple, yet effective. A lot of times it's very hard to get that "perfect balance" between usability and visual appearance. I must say you've done a fantastic job with this. Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Chrome. Excellent Blog!| superbeets https://usis-education.us/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.sfusd.edu%2FServices%2Fresearch_public%2FLists%2FSample%2520Copy%2FDispForm.aspx%3FID%3D738238

  23. Dominique March 2, 2021

    Thanks very interesting blog! My webpage: site,

  24. car buyers houston March 5, 2021

    This piece of writing will assist the internet visitors for building up new blog or even a weblog from start to end.| car buyers houston https://myspace.com/buyercarhouston

  25. theragun elite March 11, 2021

    Your mode of describing all in this paragraph is really pleasant, every one be able to effortlessly know it, Thanks a lot.| theragun elite https://architizer.com/firms/theragun-review/

  26. we just did 46 hat March 15, 2021

    Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the other person's website link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar for you.| we just did 46 hat https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  27. we just did 46 hat March 15, 2021

    I am no longer positive where you're getting your info, however good topic. I must spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.| we just did 46 hat https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  28. we just did 46 March 15, 2021

    I was very happy to uncover this web site. I want to to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely savored every part of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new things in your web site.| we just did 46 https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  29. we just did 46 hat official March 16, 2021

    Excellent way of explaining, and fastidious paragraph to get facts concerning my presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in school.| we just did 46 hat official https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  30. we just did 46 March 16, 2021

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?| we just did 46 https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  31. we just did 46 March 16, 2021

    It's amazing to pay a quick visit this site and reading the views of all mates on the topic of this post, while I am also zealous of getting know-how.| we just did 46 https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  32. we just did 46 hat official March 16, 2021

    Very nice article, totally what I wanted to find.| we just did 46 hat official https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  33. we just did 46 March 17, 2021

    I think the admin of this web page is really working hard in support of his web page, since here every material is quality based stuff.| we just did 46 https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  34. we just did 46 hat official March 17, 2021

    I blog frequently and I really thank you for your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.| we just did 46 hat official https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  35. we just did 46 March 17, 2021

    Excellent write-up. I definitely love this site. Keep it up!| we just did 46 https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  36. we just did 46 March 18, 2021

    Awesome post.| we just did 46 https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  37. we just did 46 hat March 18, 2021

    This is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise information… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!| we just did 46 hat https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  38. we just did 46 hat March 18, 2021

    What's up mates, how is all, and what you wish for to say concerning this article, in my view its actually amazing for me.| we just did 46 hat https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  39. we just did 46 hat official March 19, 2021

    This blog was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me. Cheers!| we just did 46 hat official https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  40. we just did 46 hat March 19, 2021

    Thanks for the good writeup. It actually was a enjoyment account it. Glance advanced to more introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how can we be in contact?| we just did 46 hat https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  41. we just did 46 hat official March 19, 2021

    Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don't seem to get anything done.| we just did 46 hat official https://www.facebook.com/viralamerica2016/posts/we-just-did-46-hat-official-buy-here-httpsteechipcomwe-just-did-46-hat-official-/1475921352603875/

  42. fa thor shirt March 20, 2021

    Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!| fa thor shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  43. fathor March 20, 2021

    Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is excellent, as well as the content!| fathor https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  44. fathor shirt March 21, 2021

    It's really a nice and helpful piece of information. I'm happy that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.| fathor shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  45. fa thor t shirt March 22, 2021

    Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It if truth be told was a leisure account it. Glance advanced to more delivered agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep in touch?| fa thor t shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  46. fa thor shirt March 23, 2021

    Hello I am so happy I found your weblog, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Digg for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent work.| fa thor shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  47. fa thor t shirt March 23, 2021

    I absolutely love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I'm attempting to create my own blog and would love to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Kudos!| fa thor t shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  48. fathor March 24, 2021

    Thanks for one's marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you're a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and definitely will come back later in life. I want to encourage continue your great job, have a nice morning!| fathor https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  49. fathor t shirt March 24, 2021

    Hi! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it's new to me. Nonetheless, I'm definitely glad I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back frequently!| fathor t shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  50. fathor shirt March 25, 2021

    Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include almost all vital infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this .| fathor shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  51. fa thor t shirt March 25, 2021

    It's an awesome paragraph designed for all the web people; they will get benefit from it I am sure.| fa thor t shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  52. fa thor t shirt March 26, 2021

    It's great that you are getting thoughts from this paragraph as well as from our discussion made here.| fa thor t shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  53. fathor March 27, 2021

    Hi there, I discovered your site via Google even as searching for a comparable subject, your site got here up, it appears to be like great. I've bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. fathor https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  54. fathor shirt March 27, 2021

    Hi everyone, it's my first pay a visit at this site, and post is in fact fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these posts.| fathor shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  55. fa thor shirt March 28, 2021

    Tremendous issues here. I am very happy to peer your post. Thanks a lot and I am looking ahead to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?| fa thor shirt https://binged.it/3r9FQV2

  56. Henrietta April 5, 2021

    You are so cool! I do not believe I've read through something like that before. So great to find somebody with a few original thoughts on thiis issue. Seriously.. thanks for starting his up. This website is one thing that's needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality! Feel frdee to vissit my web site :: joomshaper travel download

  57. Charlene April 11, 2021

    Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they just don't know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks Here is my web site prediksi bola.berita bola

  79. Mnrwgj August 1, 2021

    purchase clomid online - buy clomid where can i buy clomid

  89. Hwcfmg August 18, 2021

    erectile dysfunction cure - male dysfunction best medicine for erectile dysfunction without side effects

  94. Bgbviu August 27, 2021

    sildenafil 50 mg buy online price - viagra pills online india

  95. Krszco August 29, 2021

    canadian pharmacy world coupon - cialis 40

  100. Tfbeuq September 4, 2021

    buy amoxicilin 500 mg - amoxil buy amoxicillin 500 mg online mexico

  102. Flpsqd September 7, 2021

    help writing a paper - cheap essay dissertation assistance

  165. Cgujrl September 30, 2021

    levitra dosage - vardeed ed pills that work

  217. Gdqwak October 11, 2021

    cialis 20mg price in india online - goodrx cialis cheap tadalafil 60 mg

  239. Tpzanw October 15, 2021

    generic viagra buy uk - viagpss.com where to buy viagra generic

  252. Tcsyag October 17, 2021

    where to get cialis over the counter - otc cialis cialis brand name online

  337. Mybsba November 3, 2021

    canadian pharmacy online accutane - accutane 40 mg best price generic accutane

  508. Fnbgzz November 12, 2021

    mens ed pills - erectpls.com buy erectile dysfunction medication

  587. Reina Gordon November 16, 2021

    I am curious to find out what blog system you are using? I'm experiencing some minor security problems with my latest blog and I would like to find something more safe. Do you have any solutions?| https://genius.com/sharpefigueroa07

  700. Leuxny November 22, 2021

    buy tadalafil tablets - Price viagra where can i get female viagra pills

  738. Rdfjjl November 24, 2021

    walmart pharmacy online - ed meds rx pharmacy