Sushilkumar Shinde will be elected head of the Democratic Front coalition in Mumbai on Friday, outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said.

Deshmukh said on Thursday that he would seek an appointment with Governor Mohammed Fazal in the evening and resign before 1100 IST on Friday.

He dismissed allegations of non-performance during his tenure as chief minister.

Deshmukh said the party high command had not cited any reason for easing him out of the post.

The Congressman said he would spend more time in his constituency and continue working for the party.

He expressed happiness that his long-time friend Shinde will take over the reins of the government.

Deshmukh said Maharashtra would benefit from the experience of Shinde, who has presented nine consecutive state budgets.

He also dismissed speculations that the opposition will benefit from the change of leadership.