Rane keeps waiting in Delhi for Sonia date

Rebel Congress leader Narayan Rane is getting restless. Almost a week after chief minister Ashok Chavan initiated the process to re-induct him in the cabinet, the final word from party president Sonia Gandhi is still awaited.

For the past seven days Gandhi has kept Rane waiting for an appointment at 10, Janpath. A couple of days ago, union defence minister AK Anthony, who is in charge of the state Congress, held a meeting with Gandhi to discuss Rane’s return to the cabinet.

However, Gandhi has decided to consult more party members before taking a decision to revoke the suspension order against Rane.

Rane emissaries have been camping in New Delhi to plead his case with the central leadership. Leading the pro-Rane camp is chief minister Ashok Chavan, who said, “If someone has faith in the Congress leadership and the organisation itself, there should be no reason why he cannot continue.”

But on the other hand, some top state cabinet ministers (Congress) have rushed to the national capital to impress upon the leadership not to pardon Rane for his outburst against AICC general secretary Ahmed Patel in public.

“How can Congress rehabilitate him in the cabinet after he attacked the party and Ahmed Patel. Even Rane’s son Nitesh attacked the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. It will be a loss of face if Congress withdraws the suspension order against Rane,” said a Congress loyalist. 

MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre has already discussed the Rane issue with Gandhi.
Meanwhile, the Rane camp asserts that he is “relaxed” and there is “no tension”. Kanhaiyalal Gidwani, a close associate of Rane, said, “We have sought appointment with Gandhi.”