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Why Narayan Rane may not contest assembly polls

The industries minister wants to settle his sons' political career and take on a more senior role — kingmaker or adviser

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First, resignation; now, no polls?
State industries minister Narayan Rane, who quit chief minister Prithviraj Chavan's cabinet on Monday, may not contest the upcoming state assembly elections scheduled in October. Rane said his son Nitesh will contest on his place in Kudal. "I may contest from a different constituency or may not contest at all. I have not decided yet," he said.

What are Rane's future plans?
Sources said he wants to retire from active politics. "Ranesaheb has been in assembly for the last 25 years. It is time for him to go the next and senior level. He wants to play the kingmaker or advisory role now. Hence, he has decided to go to Rajya Sabha by fielding his son in assembly polls. He wants to settle his sons' careers in politics. He also wants to concentrate on his family business," said a source close to Rane.

His heirs apparent
Rane's elder son Nilesh is a former MP, while Nitesh heads a social organisation, Swambhiman Sanghatana.

What's Rane up to?
Rane is involved in negotiations with the Congress leadership. Sources said he has demanded that the state assembly election campaign committee be chaired by him and that he be given a major say in ticket distribution. Sources said Rane is not in a mood to leave Congress at this juncture, possibly because senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde made it clear on Tuesday that his party may not welcome Rane in its fold.
A source said, "Rane criticised Chavan's working style but desisted from attacking Congress high command. He does not want to burn that bridge as that can put him in deep trouble. He wants to remain in the good books of the Gandhi family. He is fighting his battle carefully and tactfully this time."

When Chavan met Rane...
Chavan had a meeting with Rane on Tuesday at Varsha, the CM's official residence, where he promised Rane that his demand will be conveyed to Congress president Sonia Gandhi. And till the high command takes a final call on it, his resignation will not be accepted. "#NarayanRane met me today & raised some issues. I have addressed state-level concerns. Other issues I will communicate to central leadership," tweeted Chavan. Rane, Chavan and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee head Manikrao Thakre will together meet Sonia Gandhi in Delhi soon.

What Rane said about the meeting
"I was not satisfied with the discussions. There is no question of being satisfied unless the resignation is accepted," he said, adding that the CM has instead asked him to continue working in the government and for the party.
 

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