MUMBAI, 8 May 2008 — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R.R Patil, who came under scathing attack at a Cabinet meeting over the delay in taking action against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray, has reportedly threatened to resign. Raj allegedly delivered a provocative speech against north Indians at a rally on May 3.
During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Patil, who is also the state home minister, was criticized by Irrigation Minister Ajit Pawar for allegedly giving Raj Thackeray the opportunity to get wide publicity by deploying police contingents at his rally.
Patil, unable to defend himself, said, “If action is taken against Raj, it is considered wrong. If action is not taken it is again deemed wrong. If you feel I have failed in tackling Raj, I am prepared to resign.” Then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh intervened and urged Patil not to take the attack personally.
After the Cabinet meeting, several Congress and NCP ministers asked Patil why so much importance was being given to Raj and why was he provided security by police.
“Why are you issuing statements against Raj when you don’t take any action? It would be better if you allow your actions to speak louder than your words. It does not augur well for the government’s image,” Ajit Pawar, who is the nephew of NCP President Sharad Pawar, reportedly told Patil.
Yesterday afternoon, Patil held a high-level meeting with senior police officials to discuss the next course of action against Raj. The meeting was attended by state Director General of Police Anami Narayan Roy, Mumbai Police Commissioner Hassan Gafoor and Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) K.L. Prasad.
Revenue Minister Narayan Rane said, “If promises are not followed up with action it will go against the government. Either the administration should take strong action or remain silent.”
Patil, however, told Arab News no such incident took place at the Cabinet meeting. He also denied he had threatened to resign.
