Ashok Chavan to be Maharashtra CM; Rane fumes

NEW DELHI: Amid an open rebellion in Congress party over the issue of Maharashtra's chief ministership, Pranab Mukherjee on Friday announced that Ashok Chavan would be the chief minister.

"Ashok Chavan has been unanimously elected the leader of Maharashtra Legislative Party," Mukherjee told reporters.

Meanwhile, senior leader Narayan Rane voiced his resentment over the delay in the announcement of the chief minister.

Rane reportedly announced his withdrawal from the CM's race stating Ashok Chavan's "incompetence to be regarded as his rival".

"Ashok Chavan can't be my competitor. He can barely handle his own ministry. He can't do justice to the post of chief minister," Rane said.

The angry revenue minister said, “Now, I don’t want any post from Congress party.“

When asked about rebellion by Rane, Congress spokesman played safe and refused to comment on his statement.

He said he is yet to hear the statement of Rane and will verify facts accordingly.

Congress spokesman also made it clear that "every partyman has to obey the line of discipline".

Industry Ashok Chavan, when asked to comment on Rane's rebellion, refused to say anything. He said right now his party's priority should be to ensure the security of the people of Maharashtra.

Chavan said he is waiting for the formal announcement by Congress high command on chief ministership.