CM ‘tours’ Taj like film set

Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who is already in the line of fire for his response to the terrorist attacks, might be on his way out. Firstly, Mr Deshmukh was in Kerala at the time of the attacks on Mumbai. He then took hours to get back to the city and spent most of his time negotiating the high-pressure situation with all quarters. He was heard saying that he was very “shocked” as he was pressured to take some action against what was happening. Despite all his words, it seems that the CM was better off in Kerala than in Mumbai. He continually did the wrong things at wrong times making things worse for himself. Mr Deshmukh even took the time to “boost” his actor son Riteish Deshmukh’s career, who accompanied his father to the Taj Mahal Hotel on Sunday morning. Apart from Riteish, director Ram Gopal Varma was also in tow. Riteish’s presence surprised many but on seeing Mr Varma was a complete shock. Riteish and Mr Varma were roaming around the place as if they were out to finalise a shooting location for their next film. All of this happened just 24 hours after the last terrorist was shot down after 59 hours of intense war. Mr Varma was not available for comment, but in his defence he was “not accompanying Mr Deshmukh”. “Ram Gopal Varma saying that he was not with the CM is the worst statement. This also goes for the CM’s son. Who allowed him to go into the hotel? This is misuse of power and they should be investigated because it is a serious security lapse,” said Ashok Pandit, a film producer and activist. Many citizens, who reacted to Mr Deshmukh’s actions by SMSs, emails, blogs and other media, shared Mr Pandit’s opinion. This could be the last nail in the CM’s coffin.