Outgoing MPCC president works out shake hand between CM-Rane

Mumbai, Jul 16 (UNI) Outgoing Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Prabha Rau brought Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his bete noir Revenue Minister Narayan Rane together and suggested them to shake hands to sort out differences between them.

The much-publicised handshake took place at a function yesterday, organised to give a farewell to Ms Rau, who will take over as Governor of Himachal Pradesh on July 19.

When Ms Rau was requested to deliver a speech, she got up and even as cameramen got ready to click the picture, she took the hands of both Mr Deshmukh and Mr Rane, who were sitting on her either side, and did a shake hand. Her act was cheered by the Congress workers. This was the first time that a reconciliation was brought between the two sparring leaders.

Last month, during the Congress party convention, chaired by president Sonia Gandhi, supporters owing alleged allegiance to Mr Rane had created a ruckus by shouting anti Mr Deshmukh slogans.

Mr Rane described Ms Rau as 'real guide' to him as he is new in Congress, while Mr Deshmukh described her as the senior and disciplined leader.

UNI JM SSS SM RL RN1804