MUMBAI: Narayan Rane, once referred to as the ‘firebrand’ leader of Maharashtra, is now hardly left with any fire and is desperately trying to save the ‘brand’. Quitting Congress is Stage-I of his new political career. Though he didn’t mention it during his parting speech at Kudal, Rane had tried to raise rebellion within the state Congress twice in the past 12 years. However, both the times he had to relent and toe the line of the party high command.
In his typical way, Rane boasted that he would destroy the party. Perhaps he has forgotten that he had said similar things while quitting Shiv Sena 12 years back after differences with Uddhav Thackeray.
He had said back then that Shiv Sena won’t survive under Uddhav. However, nothing of that sort happened. The party won the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) thrice after that.
The old system of satraps or feudal lords still works in Indian politics and Rane was a living example of the system while he was in Shiv Sena. He has his own clout and his own loyal party workers. Though his politics bloomed in Mumbai, he had a good hold in the Konkan belt.
In his defence, Rane claimed that Congress ditched him. He alleged that he had trusted the party high command and was cheated four times. This was, in a way, admission that he could never understand the Congress style of politics.
After Rane’s press conference at Kudal, a senior party leader in Mumbai said that the party never needed him for his political clout. It was the other way round. Rane needed Congress to take on the Shiv Sena.
Though Rane is devoid of fire, he still has some brand value. It would be interesting to see how he protects the brand.
How Things Stand
Rane developed his image of a ‘firebrand’ leader by taking risks. In fact, the theory of ‘big gains come with big risks’ is his driving force. But he appears to be very unsure of gains this time. According to a BJP leader, the party may not immediately induct Rane. In his speech at Kudal, Rane had announced a front to contest the Gram Panchayat elections. The BJP will assess his success before deciding anything on him, said the BJP leader.