Photo biography of Vilasrao Deshmukh released

Mumbai, May 24 (UNI) A photo biography of Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, containing his pictoral journey in public life, was released by Bihar Governor R S Gavai here today.

Earlier, photo biographies of Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar have been released.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Patil and noted Marathi actress Jayshree Gadkar were present on the occasion.

Mr Patil said his association with the Chief Minister dates back to the time when he was Sangli Zilla Parishad member and Mr Deshmukh was the Guardian minister of Sangli district in the Vasantdada Patil ministry.

''Despite the fact that we belonged to rival groups in the Congress (me a staunch Vasantdada supporter and Mr Deshmukh, a follower of Shankarrao Chavan), I always felt that Mr Deshmukh was a leader to watch out for,''Mr Patil recalled.

Having worked with him in the Democratic Front coalition government, I can say that Mr Deshmukh has given his cabinet colleagues enough space and freedom to run their respective ministries. Despite facing tremendous pressure and criticism in the wake of man-made and natural disasters that have struck the state during the tenure of the DF government, the Chief Minister had always maintained his calm and had taken quick administrative decisions, Mr Patil said.

Expressing happiness that a photo-biography of the Chief Minister has been published, Mr Patil said,''History would have to take note of his achievements towards the progress of the state.'' He said even though they both belonged to different parties, there was perfect harmony and unanimity in running the state administration.

''Maharashtra is facing several problems and the state government is committed towards resolving them,''he added.

Mr Patil said the rise of Mr Deshmukh from a sarpanch of Babhalgaon village in Latur district to two time chief Minister of the state has not been smooth. ''He was defeated from his constituency in 1995 and later he contested the council polls as an independent. I could not disobey the party whip to vote for him.

Following the twin defeats, political pundits were quick to write his political obituary. But, Deshmukh has risen like a phoenix from the ashes,'' Patil added.

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