Deshmukh rubbishes media reports on ouster

Mumbai, Sep 20 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has rubbished, reports appearing in a section of the media, that he is on his way out as ''baseless and politically motivated''.

The Chief Minister issued a clarification from his home town Latur in Marathwada region following media reports that the Congress leadership was seriously considering a leadership change in Maharashtra due to concerns about the performance of the state government, and in view of possible mid-term polls. The state accounts for 48 seats in Lok Sabha.

The Chief Minister's office in Mumbai said Mr Deshmukh is on a scheduled visit to Latur and would return to Mumbai tomorrow morning.

UNI