Mumbai: Former Maharshtra minister Narayan Rane, who had resigned from the cabinet over two weeks ago, today met senior state Congress leaders and put to rest speculations of his leaving the party. Rane, who was sulking for some time, said today that he will continue to be a part of Congress party and will fight for it in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls.
Narayan Rane appeared relieved after he met state Congress leaders. “I have discussed my stand with veteran leaders of the party. They have assured to consider the issues that I have raised” said Rane.
“I will fight for Congress party's victory in the upcoming Assembly polls,” Rane added.
Earlier Rane had camped in Delhi for over a week, but couldn't meet party president Sonia Gandhi. It has been over 15 days now since Rane quit the Chavan cabinet. The disgruntled leader had demanded that he be made the campaign committee head with a major ‘say' in ticket distribution for the assembly polls.
Rane, who criticized Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan for his style of functioning, was seen praising the CM on Sunday. Rane, along with CM Chavan and Leader of Opposition in legislative council Vinod Tawde were felicitated at the Marath Mahasanga function in Kolhapur. Rane headed the committee whose report formed the basis for the government's decision to grant 16% reservation to Maratha community.
Rane praised CM for his decisions in this regard at the function though Chavan did not take notice of Rane's presence on the dais.
This sudden praise for CM has raised the speculations regarding Rane's future course of action. Sources said that he was planning to form a new party to defeat Congress in the state.
