Rane, now dissident pointman

Revenue minister Narayan Rane may seem to have gone on the defensive in the battle against chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh but he has reaffirmed his identity within the MPCC as the pointsman around whom the dissidents will rally in the coming days.

Rane’s bolt-from-the-blue, against what he termed as “an ineffective government” of Deshmukh, may have been a well-calculated move to create his own role within the Congress.

Hitherto, Rane was merely a leader who had defected from the Shiv Sena and commanding the loyalty of members of his former party who had joined the Congress because of him.

With his open criticism of Deshmukh’s leadership, Rane has positioned himself as the focal point for future dissidence activity, if any.

On Monday, Rane said, “I have done my job. I am ready to face the consequences.” He also indicated that after taking a step forward he was awaiting for the appropriate moment and place to take the next step.

He said the issue of cabinet minister is not central to his politics. Whether he remains a minister or not, “my significance (rubab) will remain intact”.

In the last six months, Rane had emerged as the rebel within the cabinet, taking on Deshmukh. He had often crossed swords with Deshmukh on policy matters single-handedly.

His outburst in Delhi was seen an outcome of the simmering discontent and impatience to get to the coveted post of chief ministership.

“After openly challenging the chief minister he appears to have spoiled his own chances in the cabinet but his significance as a nuisance maker will remain,” officials in MPCC said.

Unlike in the past when rebels waged battle against former chief minister Sharad Pawar, they enjoyed the covert support of the high command eager to undermine his political clout in Maharashtra. Pawar then was capable of delivering at least 35 of the 48 seats in Lok Sabha elections.

However, after getting assurance from the Central leadership of corrective steps, Rane has abandoned plans to tender his resignation from cabinet.

Rane said, “Whatever corrective steps I have in mind pertaining to the government, I will state before the cabinet.” He added, “It is for the central leadership to take the corrective steps.”

On his part, Deshmukh indicated that self-introspection was an ongoing exercise in the Congress and it applied to one and all (read Rane).

He said, “I was never averse to introspection.” Commenting on the long-pending reshuffle in the cabinet he said, “It will take place soon. But I will not be able to give the exact dates.”

The decision that Rane will have to take, especially after his outburst, is how far he wants to take his battle in the immediate future. It may become untenable for him to continue as a minister in Deshmukh’s cabinet.

There is little chance of him becoming chief minister, even if Deshmukh is shown the door by the high command, since the coalition partner, the NCP, is staunchly opposed to him taking over the reins of the government.