Rane signals truce with Deshmukh

Sulking Maharashtra Minister Narayan Rane had a "satisfactory" meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi after which he gave indications of not pressing for his resignation.

Sulking Maharashtra Minister Narayan Rane had a "satisfactory" meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi after which he gave indications of not pressing for his resignation, signalling a truce in his fight with state Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

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"This is not my defeat," he insisted while talking to reporters after over 30-minute meeting with Gandhi for which the newly appointed state Congress Campaign Committee chief Gurudas Kamat played a key role.

Sources said Rane and Deshmukh are expected to be called here next week by Gandhi in an apparent bid to sort out their differences.

Rane said he was satisfied with the meeting and he has apprised her about the situation about party as well as government in Maharashtra. "I will act as per her guidance."

Kamat, who was present during the meeting with Gandhi, hailed Rane as a senior leader and said that the party in the state was totally united and the Revenue Minister has expressed his commitment to the leadership of Gandhi.

Rane sidestepped several questions on the resignation and also on Chief Minister who is his known detractor.

He also made it clear that he and those who joined the Congress alongwith him after parting ways with Shiv Sena were all Congressmen.

Rane had raised a row a fortnight back over allotment of land to Videocon at a "throwaway" price and had later said that he had sent his resignation to Gandhi in July.

The recent appointments of the PCC chief, Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief as also that of Kamat was considered a boost for Deshmukh.

With Gandhi giving an audience to Rane, the high command appears to have effected a balancing act.