Congress suspends Narayan Rane

Congress suspends Narayan RaneMumbai, Dec 6 : The Congress today suspended Maharashtra leader Narayan Rane, a day after party president Sonia Gandhi decided in Ashok Chavan''s favour for the post of new Maharashtra Chief Minister, rather than in Rane''s who was the other strong contender for the post.

"It has been observed that after the announcement of the new leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Maharashtra, Narayan Rane is making public statements deliberately with a view to lowering the prestige of the Indian National Congress," said AICC General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi.

"The party has taken a serious view of his utterances and considering this as a case of gross indiscipline, Narayan Rane has been suspended from the party with immediate effect," he added.

On Friday, Rane slammed the Congress party for delaying its decision in choosing Vilasrao Deshmukh''s successor.

Rane said: "While the state faces such a tough situation, there is still no leader. I have not understood the reasons behind it, despite observers from Delhi coming here."

"Vilasrao Deshmukh''s behaviour was shameful. He is a blot on the position of CM and has the blood of all dead and injured on his hands," he added.

He also said that Chavan did not have the experience to be the chief minister of a state.

Saying that he is out of the race as some Delhi and state leaders had conspired against him, Rane added, "Deshmukh and (Congress party president) Manekrao Thakre conspired against me along with one leader from Delhi."

Rane also said that he did not want any position from the Congress. (ANI)

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