The budget session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly began with strong rumours of Narayan Rane, former chief minister, breaking away from Congress and joining BJP. The rumour had gained currency after Nilesh Rane, former MP and Rane's elder son, resigned from the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), citing lethargic approach and negligence of MPCC President Ashok Chavan in rebuilding the party.
Nilesh Rane had written, "If you could not even appoint a president for our Sindhudurg district in the last 18 months, I see no point in continuing as secretary.” The letter was widely circulated on the social media by his supporters.
Narayan Rane himself had clarified the former's intentions—he was not leaving Congress, but criticising the way the state unit functioned. Ajit Sawant, a former office-bearer of the state Congress, said, “Rane's style of leadership if very aggressive. It is obvious that he must have felt the complete absence of aggression during the symbolic protests that Congress held when the demonetization was severely affecting the public.”
He noted that Congress needs to be aggressive, especially when the ruling BJP is spending crores on propaganda and the media publicity. “It is a matter of perception. Hence, Congress needs a leader like Narayan Rane.”
Rane participated in the Sangharsh Yatra, organised by all opposition parties, to demand farm loan waiver. He also attended the concluding rally of the first phase of Sangharsh Yatra. Rane flew to Delhi on Wednesday and met with Rahul Gandhi. He said, “I met Rahul Gandhi, our vice president, and briefed him about the socio-political situation in the state. I also suggested a strategy to win the 2019 elections. I am satisfied with the discussion that we had.”
This has finally settled all the rumours about him. Nitesh Rane, Congress MLA, said, "He has the potential to strengthen Congress in the state. I am sure that he will. Narayan Rane can be Maharashtra's Amarinder Singh for the 2019 elections."
