New Delhi, Aug 1: The Centre-state relationship is likely to acquire new and more cordial dimension if the hints dropped by the new Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde are any indication. He began his stint in the sensitive Ministry on Wednesday with a clear commitment to have “simple and cordial” ties with the states which is quite in contrast to his predecessor’s “hands-on” and “business-like” approach.
Immediately after taking charge as Home Minister, Shinde said the equation between the central government and states should be simple and cordial. “Our relationship with the states should be simple," Shinde, observed.
A veteran of many a political battles having rich administrative experience, he exuded confidence about tackling various problems on the internal security front. "I am part of the Cabinet and am aware of the situation in the country. There are a number of problems in the country. We must have a very cordial relationship with the states," Shinde told reporters.
Unlike his predecessor, Shinde was more forthcoming on issues related to his Ministry and said that he would take stock of the situation by holding discussions with officials in the ministry. "I will sit and talk to officials. I am aware of the problems, including Naxal issues. But I need to see the present situation. The Home ministry is very critical, every moment we have to be alert," he further said.
Although his appointment to the coveted post is being attributed primarily to his being a Dalit and a Gandhi family loyalist, Shinde tried to play down the caste factor. "I am not only here as a Dalit leader, but I will give result to the responsibility entrusted to me by Sonia-ji and the Prime Minister," he said.
Intriguingly, his elevation as Home Minister has come in the backdrop of severe failure on the power front with the country facing worst breakdown witnessed in the recent times. The political opponents of the Congress were more sarcastic as they described it as a “reward” for Shinde for having presided over the grid-failure.
In fact, Shinde has witnessed steady rise in his political fortunes ever-since he quit as police official in 1971. He was a police sub-inspector with Maharashtra Police. The affable and soft-spoken Dalit leader has climbed up the ladder unmindful of success or failure.
In elevating him to the Home Ministry, Congress leadership demonstrated what Shinde means to it - a trusted pair of hands in a sensitive job.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 1 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 1 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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