Shiv Sena warns BJP over Rane’s induction

Amid speculation that Narayan Rane of Congress might join the BJP, a Shiv Sena leader on Wednesday took a dig at his party’s ruling ally asking it to “study the track record” of the exchief minister before admitting him into the fold.

Rane, who was in the Shiv Sena before joining the Congress, has been sulking for quite some time, triggering speculation he might switch over to the BJP.

“It is the BJP’s prerogative who it wants to induct into the party and who it wants to expel. But, since the BJP talks about transparent governance, it should first study Rane’s track record and only then think of taking him in the party fold,” Sena leader and Minister for State for Home Deepak Kesarkar said. “Rane has one MLA from Konkan backing him. So what is the BJP going to gain politically by accepting him?” he questioned.

Meanwhile, a source in the Shiv Sena said accepting Rane into the party fold will increase the friction between the ruling allies – the Sena and the BJP.

“We have given several hints to the BJP that inducting Narayan Rane will not go down well with us and will increase tensions in our relations,” the source said.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Ashok Chavan last week said some people are “opportunists” who cannot stay without power, in remarks perceived as a swipe at Rane.

BJP’s state unit chief Raosaheb Danve had said the party should welcome others into its fold.