Narayan Rane takes lessons from Vilasrao Deshmukh

Mumbai: Revenue minister Narayan Rane appears to have realised it is better to remain a silent spectator to survive in the Congress.Not surprisingly, he has taken the back seat, leaving it to the discretion of the state Congress and the NCP leadership to decide the candidates for the by-elections in the state legislature council from his hometown in the Konkan region.

“My support is for the Congress-NCP [coalition]. Any candidate recommended by the leaders of the coalition is acceptable to me,” he said. His close aide revealed, “Dada (as he is called) has realised it is pointless to wage a single-handed battle against the Congress and the NCP when nobody is bothered about the outcome.

Moreover, what is the guarantee that the individual for whom he fights will remain loyal to him after winning?”

The sudden change in Rane is attributed to Union industries minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Ever since Rane embraced Deshmukh as a friend, he is less impatient and often smiling. Deshmukh, a seasoned Congress leader, had mastered the art of patience long ago. Or else, how does one explain his ability to transform rivalry with Rane into friendship. Rane has not only shown his admiration but has also started taking lessons from Deshmukh.