The Congress high command asked Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Desmukh to resign on Wednesday night. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi gave Deshmukh orders to resign after discussions with senior party leaders A.K. Antony and Ahmed Patel.

Central party observers led by A.K.Antony will announce Deshmukh’s successor on Thursday in Mumbai. Industries Minister Ashok Chavan, and former Chief Minister Narayan Rane are the strong contenders for the post.

Congress veteran Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil and former state party chief Govindrao Adik, both Marathas, are also in the race.

There was a massive show of solidarity for the victims of 26/11 in the Gateway of India in Mumbai yesterday, where angry people demanded the politicians to act instead of just talking.