Mumbai: The appointments of Maharashtra and Mumbai Congress presidents on Sunday were seen as a setback for Revenue Minister Narayan Rane who raised a banner of revolt against Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.
None of the leaders appointed are considered close to the former Shiv Sainik who joined Congress in 2005.
After Prabha Rau resigned as MPCC President to become Himachal Pradesh Governor, reports were, that Rane was lobbying for senior leader Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil for MPCC chief's post.
However, Congress high command on Sunday appointed former minister Manikrao Thakre, who is considered close to Deshmukh.
After State Cabinet approved allottment of 250 acre land at Navi Mumbai to Videocon group for TFT-LCD project on August 5, Rane openly criticised Deshmukh's style of functioning, saying that the land was given at a throw-away price.
He later announced that he had already submitted his resignation from the Cabinet to the party leadership, adding that he did not want to be a part of "an ineffective government."
There was speculation that Rane may be named the chief of state Congress Campaign Committee, as a part of the compromise formula.
However, that post has gone to MP Gurudas Kamat, who on Sunday launched a veiled attack on Rane saying "instead of raising banner of revolt leaders should follow party president Sonia Gandhi's directives and work for strengthening the party."
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