New VC presents Raj a bouquet, gets brickbats

MUMBAI: Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, who recently took over as vice-chancellor of Mumbai University, created a flutter in political circles by calling on MNS chief Raj Thackeray at his Shivaji Park residence on Wednesday.
Deshmukh presented a copy of a coffee table book on the university and a bouquet to the MNS chief at the 30-minute meeting. The VC said his visit must not be misconstrued as him trying to keep politicos happy.“I am drawing up a roadmap for the university. For that, I am meeting politicians, industrialists and other prominent people to get feedback. Last week, I had met industries minister Subhash Desai, and I had also sought an appointment with (Shiv Sena chief) Uddhav Thackeray, but he was busy. I will soon meet him too,” Deshmukh said.
Given Matoshree’s strained ties with Raj, the Sena is likely to throw a fit after Deshmukh’s “courtesy call”, sources said. The VC has committed a breach of protocol by calling on Raj before paying a visit to Matoshree, a Sena functionary said. “Dr Deshmukh should have first called on Uddhavji. The Sena is the BJP’s ally in the state government,” he pointed out.
Sena sources said Deshmukh is close to Union minister for surface transport Nitin Gadkari, who has excellent equations with Raj. This should explain why he chose to give priority to Krishna Kunj (Raj’s residence) over Matoshree, sources said, and added that education minister Vinod Tawde was also Raj’s friend.
A senior MNS functionary said there was nothing wrong in the meeting. “Dr Deshmukh may have plans to meet other political figures too. Key officials, such as the chief secretary and the municipal commissioner, often call on political leaders to ensure smooth discharge of duty,” he added. “Dr Deshmukh sought Rajsaheb’s appointment and he gave the VC the time suitable to both. There is no need to raise a stink over the issue,” the functionary said.
But many in the academia will see red over Deshmukh’s visit to Raj’s residence.