'In politics, posts come, posts go'

Raosahebu00a0Ramchandra Patil is out to disprove a cricketing truth: he is determined to average better in his second innings.

He is willing to take partial responsibility for what happened, but more importantly, willing to promise that he'll do anything to ensure that hell doesn't freeze over again.

And yes, he still maintains he was misquoted on that infamous "bade shahar mein ek-adh hadsa ho jata hai" quote. Excerpts...

Do you think you deserve a second chance in office?
I listened to my inner voice and resigned. I have taken up the job again with full faith and confidence. I will prove I can create a police force that destroys any enemy that has evil designs on Maharashtra. I am ready to pay any price
for that.

Did you the government and the police machinery completely let us down on 26/11?
We never thought terrorists would be able to reach Mumbai through Gujarat, taking the sea route. In the history of India, this was the first time that a city's police force had to deal with such a massive terror attack. It was tough. There were some shortcomings. In the last one year, we have tried to overcome some of those shortcomings.



What do you have to tell people who lost their relatives, whose lives have been damaged?
They are like my relatives, I share their pain. I feel as terrible as they do. Again, I promise to take every step necessary to prevent a repeat of 26/11. Maharashtra is safe, will remain safe.

People saw you as a clean home minister. Many have lost faith in you.
Dekhiye, sau ladai hum jeet te hain aur ek-adbar haar bhi ho jata hain, iska
yeh matlab nahin ki hamare baki sab kaam bekar ho gaye (We win a hundred battles and then lose a few. That doesn't mean all our good work goes waste).

In the last one year, India has achieved little through diplomacy. Pakistan has not handed over a single terrorist. Should we have gone to war against Pakistan?
[Smiles] It won't be right for me to say anything on this. A state home minister shouldn't comment on foreign affairs.

u00a0What steps have you taken to prevent another 26/11?
Quick Response Teams have been set up, a National Security Guard battalion has arrived. We are concentrating on intelligence, mobility, weaponry and training policemen.

Did you feel lonely, isolated, remorseful after you resigned, faced criticism?
Anybody would feel bad. I felt bad too, but not for losing my post. In politics, posts come, posts go. But I felt deep regret about the loss of innocent lives, losing our brave soldiers and policemen.

How are your Hindi lessons going?
Going well [smiles].