Mumbai:
"Only a few people died, it could have been worse." That was how RR Patil, Home Minister of Maharashtra, described 26/11. The attacks, and his careless statement, cost him his job.
But he's back now as Home Minister, provoking strong reactions. "Here's a man who they removed from his post for his failures of 26/11, but now they are reinstating him," says Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra BJP Chief, echoing the opinion of many in the Opposition.
Until 26/11, Patil, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), had a better reputation as a Home Minister than his predecessor, Chaggan Bhujbal, now the deputy chief minister of the new government.
So there was little to choose from, say analysts. "What is the option? Here was a man who has a reasonably clean image and reputation. Also besides him, the others are non-performers," laments activist Gerson D'Cunha.
Patil promises a good run this time around. "My party has shown faith in me. I will work to the best of my abilities. I'm grateful for this," he says