Rural roots

When former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh took charge in Krishi Bhawan as rural development minister, he was questioned on his suitability for the role. Deshmukh had been in charge of the heavy industries ministry and his new bailiwick is considered a demotion of sorts. He, however, bravely reeled out reasons why he was qualified for the new role. Reason one: he began his career as a sarpanch. “So I know quite a few things about how panchayats work,” he said.The next reason he gave was that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act had its germ in the Employment Guarantee Act which was first legislated in Maharashtra and the first draft Bill was presented by him before the Congress. So when the journalist who had questioned his suitability apologised, Deshmukh replied that the question was harsh but he was taking it lightly.