MPCC president refuses to comment on Rane

Mumbai, Oct 17 (UNI) Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Manikrao Thakre today refused to make any comment on the state revenue minister Narayan Rane's criticism of the party and the government, saying the party high command would handle the issue.

Mr Thakre had called a news conference here, in which he faced a volley of questions on yesterday's outburst by Mr Rane at Nagpur.

Mr Rane had yesterday stated that it was high time for everybody in the party to undertake a serious introspection as functioning of the top leadership in the state left much to be desired.

Mr Thakre said he was not aware of any assurance given by the party high command to him, but maintained that leaders should avoid public comments and maintain coordination.

He said the newly appointed executive committee met yesterday, in which a demand was made to start the cotton purchasing centres in the state. In the meeting, another demand was made to conduct a judicial inquiry into the riots that broke out in Dhule and Digras.

Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh assured to look into both these demands, he informed.

The committee also passed a resolution to congratulate the Central Government for the nuclear deal and for giving loans to self-help groups at Rs four per cent rate.

The committee also formed 13 committees including social harmony committee (a new one) and a committee to link all the districts with the state party headquarters at Tilak Bhavan, here.

Mr Thakre said Dhule, Nandurbar, Akola, Washim and Ahmednagar districts, where the zilla parishad and corporation elections are due on November 30, have been asked to explore the possibility of alliance with NCP and RPI.

He said he had written a letter to state NCP president Arun Gujarathi, requesting his party's support to Madhu Jain in Council elections. Yesterday, NCP extended its support to Ms Jain.

UNI XR/JM SSS SY KN1908