R.R. Patil of the Nationalist Congress Party, who had to quit as State Home Minister after the Mumbai terror strikes, is back with the same portfolio. He was forced to resign last year after the media widely publicized his remark referring to the 26/11 carnage in the country’s financial capital as a minor issue.
Speaking after getting back the Home portfolio, Patil said strengthening security to avert another terror strike would be the government’s top priority. He said : “Coastal security is already being strengthened. We will improve coordination with the Navy and the Coast Guard.”
Patil said that the first batch of Force One, the elite force formed on the lines of the National Security Guards, is ready and will be operational soon. He said the government would speed up the modernization of the police force and strengthen the intelligence machinery.
Another winner in the portfolio allocation is Narayan Rane of the Congress who has been given the Revenue Ministry, a heavyweight charge.
Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar gets the Power Ministry.
Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal continues to hold the PWD portfolio.
