Deshmukh to expand Cabinet soon

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today hinted that some new faces may be inducted during the Cabinet expansion in the new year.

"Not only the Cabinet would be expanded but certainly a reshuffle would be carried out very soon and the new year may witness new faces in the state Cabinet", Deshmukh told reporters here during an informal chat.

The Congress had three vacant posts in the Cabinet since its formation but with the induction of Revenue Minister Narayan Rane in the ministry, only two posts from its quota were left to be filled, he said.

Of the NCP quota, two ministers' posts are also lying vacant and the high commands of both the Congress and the NCP were finalising the names of candidates for the posts, he said.

Deshmukh said the supporters of both ousted NCP Ministers Suresh Jain and Nawab Malik have started mounting pressure on ncp for their reinstatement, but nothing has been finalised.

On future course of action against former Irrigation Minister Padmasinh Patil, against whom the task force has recommended prosecution for his alleged involvement in sugar export scam, Deshmukh said the case has been referred to state law department.