Mumbai: Amid growing political maneuvers in Maharashtra, speculation is rife that Nilesh Rane, son of former Union minister Narayan Rane, may soon align himself with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena. A significant meeting took place between Nilesh Rane, Narayan Rane, and Shinde at the latter’s official residence on Sunday, lasting around 30 minutes, which has fueled rumors of a potential party switch.
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Sources indicate that Nilesh Rane is likely to contest the upcoming state assembly elections from the Kudal-Malvan constituency under the Shiv Sena banner. A formal announcement regarding his induction into the party is expected within days, adding to the excitement surrounding this political development.
This potential switch occurs against the backdrop of ongoing seat-sharing discussions within the Mahayuti alliance, comprising Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the BJP, and other regional parties. While the final decision on Nilesh Rane’s party affiliation is pending, his candidacy from Kudal-Malvan appears increasingly probable.
Senior leaders from Shinde’s Shiv Sena have expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Nilesh Rane. Minister Gulabrao Patil stated, “If Nilesh Rane is indeed joining our Shiv Sena, we will certainly welcome him. We have always been open to those coming from the BJP.” Meanwhile, Minister Uday Samant remarked, “If Nilesh Rane joins us, we will stand firmly behind him, strengthening the Shiv Sena in the process.”
Conversely, Deepak Kesarkar, another key leader, offered a more cautious perspective, acknowledging the likelihood of Rane’s candidacy but emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the party affiliation. He noted, “There is a tradition within the Mahayuti alliance of swapping candidates between our parties, as we saw in Palghar.”
Given the Rane family’s significant influence in the Konkan region, this development could notably impact local politics. As the Mahayuti alliance continues finalizing its candidate list, the shifting dynamics underscore a strategic effort to secure dominance in this critical electoral battleground. With more updates anticipated, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains fluid as elections approach.
