The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today announced the name of Chhagan Bhujbal as the new deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. Bhujbhal will continue as the deputy Chief Minister for the second consecutive time. Mr. Bhujbhal was elected from the Yeola assembly constituency. Union Minister and Party observer Praful Patel made the announcement in a press conference in Mumbai this evening. The race had intensified on who will be the new deputy chief minister as Ajit Pawar nephew of Sharad Pawar was the front runner along with R.R. Patil. The decision was taken only after consultation with NCP Chief Sharad Pawar. Meanwhile, Mr. Ashok Chavan has submitted his resignation to Governor S.C. Jamir. Accepting his resignation, Jamir requested him to continue in the post till a new government assumes office. Mr.Chavan later told reporters that he would stake claim to form the next government in the state 'within a couple of days'. He said that they have required numbers and there will be no problem.