Vilasrao Deshmukh's promotion raises eyebrows

Mumbai: Continuing with the Cabinet reshuffle, Vilasrao Deshmukh's elevation to the Cabinet rank as Rural Development Minister has raised a few eyebrows.
Last month the Supreme Court had raised questions on the former Maharashtra Chief Minister's alleged links to money lenders who harass farmers in Vidarbha.
His name has also come under the scanner in the Adarsh Society scam. Deshmukh was earlier in charge of heavy industries.
The rural development ministry is responsible for the implementation of the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme which was a factor in UPA's 2009 win and has a huge budget.
The former Maharastra Chief Minister himself said, "I began as a sarpanch. I initiated rural development programme in Maharashtra so I am happy. This ministry will help me to strengthen my party, even in Maharashtra. Opposition states have taken credit for NREGA. I will set this right".