Over a four-decade-long political career, from Shiv Sena shakha pramukh (ward chief) of Chembur to chief minister of Maharashtra in 1999, Rane’s rise in politics was under Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Rane is bitter about his association with the Congress; his attempts to become chief minister did not succeed. Despite losing political clout, Rane continues to have sway in his native Sindhudurg district in Konkan. Besides administrative experience, Rane has money power and electoral acumen, to win at least a couple of assembly seats for any political party he belongs to. The state BJP unit lacks experienced leaders after the demise of Gopinath Munde and senior leader Nitin Gadkari being inducted in the Central cabinet.

Source: Hindustan Times September 21, 2017 06:56 UTC