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Addressing his first press conference after taking over as chief minister, Sushilkumar Shinde said that his priorities are tackling the drought situation and water scarcity, restoring financial normalcy and keeping communal forces at bay.
Speaking to the media, Shinde said that a solution to the drought and acute water shortage would be found within three months. Though he parried questions on the cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation, he said that the dialogue with the parties of DF government was progressing.
Asked whether he would keep the crucial finance portfolio to himself given his background of being the states finance minister for nine consecutive years, Shinde said that nothing was decided yet. Getting the work done is important. I have come with a clear mind, he said.
Asked how effectively he would be able to manage the coalition, tackle the opposition onslaught as well as factionalism in his party, the new chief minister said, My experience would count in all these matters.
He said that he had called a cabinet meeting tomorrow to discuss the governors address.
Shinde said he would go to Delhi after January 22 vote of confidence to discuss the ministry formation with the Congress high command.
Unlike Vilasrao Deshmukh who had no coordination with the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, Shinde said he would also give priority to maintaining an effective co-ordination with his party. Its very important. After all it is the Congress that made a small man like me the chief minister, he said.
Shinde went to the sixth floor office in Mantralaya yesterday and had a brief meeting with key Mantralaya officials. At the press conference, he said, I started as a peon only to reach the highest post and I assure you that I will perform the role of a peon for the people of Maharashtra.
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