Narayan Rane meets CM, receives offer to join NDA

Mumbai: Rebel former Congress leader Narayan Rane, who recently announced launching his new party, Maharashtra Swabhimaan Paksh, met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on late Tuesday night at latter's official residence Varsha. In this meeting, Mr Fadnavis extended an invitation to Mr Rane to join Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

“He (Devendra Fadnavis) has invited me to join the NDA. I have conveyed that the decision will be taken in two days," said Mr Rane after the meeting.

According to Rane camp, revenue ministry, which is being handled by Chandrakant Patil is likely to be given to him. However, sources in BJP have maintained that no such decision has been taken.

"Another possibility is that he will be given the charge of public works department. However, no final decision has been taken yet," said a senior BJP leader from Maharashtra.

The state cabinet is likely to be expanded prior to Diwali.