Sena MLAs, MPs from M'wada in touch with Congress: Rane

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Mar 5 (UNI) Claiming that majority of the Shiv Sena MLAs and MPs are in touch with him, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Narayan Rane today said he would tell their number and names at an appropriate time.

Talking to reporters here at the government guest house, the former Sena leader-turned-Congressman said he would induct the Sena MLAs and MPs in the party soon.

Mr Rane said these Sena representatives had held discussions with him and they were in constant touch with him to join the Congress. He cited ''technical difficulties'' as the reason for their wish to quit the Sena.

The former Maharashtra Chief Minister said he would undertake a tour of the entire Marathwada region before inducting all the aspirants into the party-fold, considering their importance in strengthening the party in Marathwada, where the Congress had a poor show of seven out of 48 assembly seats.

Mr Rane claimed that he was in demand from almost all the districts of the state to address rallies ther to infuse enthusiasm in their units.

Asked about the impact of Raj Thackeray's new political party on the Congress drive in strengthening party in near future, Mr Rane said on the contrary, the inflow in his party would increase rather than decrease.

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