S P O T L I G H T

Alexander asks CM to explain raid
Mumbai, June 6
The Maharashtra Governor, Dr P. C. Alexander, today summoned Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his deputy Chhagan Bhujbal and sought explanation from them regarding a complaint lodged by Sena-BJP leaders regarding raid on a club and use of the state machinery in the entire episode. Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor here tonight, the Chief Minister said they had informed Dr Alexander that they received a call from NCP MLA Shirish Kotwal, a heart patient, stating that he needed immediate medical facility and hospitalisation. The government, therefore, decided to deploy a police team and send some NCP MLAs to ascertain the situation. PTI

Tatkare quits Deshmukh govt
Mumbai, June 6
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sunil Tatkare, whose re-induction in the Maharashtra Cabinet resulted in the withdrawal of support by smaller partners of the Congress-led ruling alliance, resigned tonight but the resignation might have come too late in the day. Mr Tatkare said he resigned for the sake of the party and to ensure the stability of the Democratic Front (DF) Government in the state but the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) said his resignation was no longer an issue. “We have withdrawn support from the DF government and under no circumstances will the decision be reconsidered or changed,’’ PWP leader Jayant Patil said. Meanwhile, the NCP shifted most of its MLAs to Indore, while the Congress, moved at least 45 of its MLAs to Bangalore by a chartered aircraft. UNI