Senior Congress leader Narayan Rane, key aides likely to join BJP

Mumbai: Senior Congress leader and former minister Narayan Rane met his key supporters in Sindhudurg on Friday and allegedly told them to be ready to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) soon. Sources said that Mr Rane allegedly later went to Delhi on Friday morning. He is set to meet Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari and other BJP leaders in the capital. Mr Rane’s supporters are claiming that it is now just matter of time before an official announcement of Mr Rane’s induction in the saffron party.

Mr Rane reportedly told his supporters in Sindhudurg on Friday that the future of Congress is bleak. 

“There is no sign of revival. I don’t want to damage your political future,” is what Mr Rane reportedly said in the meeting. He also gave them a brief idea of the changes in the state and district politics that could occur if he entered the BJP.

Senior BJP leader and cabinet minister Chandrakant Patil said, “If he wants to join us, he is welcome.” While Maharashtra state Congress chief Ashok Chavan said that he is not worried.