Rane faces new hurdle for Cabinet induction

Mumbai: Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksh president Narayan Rane's decision to oppose the green refinery project at Nanar in Ratnagiri has created an obstacle for his entry in the state Cabinet. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is keen on the implementing the Centre's project, and it will be an embarrassing for him if Mr Rane continues to oppose the project after becoming a minister, said sources.  

As Nanar Refinery is a priority project for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Fadnavis is keen over clearing all hurdles in the way of the projects. However, the project has been marred by protests as 11 villages in Rajapur are opposing it. The Shiv Sena has supported the villagers and participated in the agitations held in Mumbai in last month.

Mr Rane, who is currently with the NDA, has entered has also backed the villagers and levelled allegations against Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Mr Rane is eager to join state Cabinet, and his party wants to contest a Lok Sabha seat and three assembly seats in the next year elections. In a bid to woo villagers and counter Shiv Sena, Mr Rane is also opposing the project. But it has become a hurdle for Mr Rane's entry into the cabinet, sources from the BJP said. Mr Rane is supporting villagers who are opposing the project to create pressure on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the sources claimed. Hence, the BJP will ask Rane to not oppose the project if he wants to enter the cabinet, added party sources.