Cabinet reshuffle shock; Deshmukh moves to rural!

Mumbai, Jan 20: Wednesday's (Jan 19) cabinet reshuffle was full of surprises and shocks as it did not show any major changes except exchanging few portfolios. But the most surprising one is - Vilasrao Deshmukh's elevation to the Cabinet rank as Rural Development Minister.

The former Maharashtra Chief Minister Deshmukh recently faced the rage of the Supreme Court when he was questioned over his tainted links to money lenders who harass farmers in Vidarbha.

Deshmukh, who was in charge of heavy industries earlier, has been named in the Adarsh housing scam.

However, after taking oath, Deshmukh stated, "I began as a sarpanch. I initiated rural development programme in Maharashtra so I am happy."

"This ministry will help me to strengthen my party, even in Maharashtra. Opposition states have taken credit for NREGA. I will set this right," added Deshmukh.

But the question remains - is the rural people happy with this "development"? Now, it's only time which will disclose everything..

OneIndia News