Mumbai: The Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha (MSP) has been invited to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, its founder and Congress rebel Narayan Rane said. Mr. Rane, who met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis late on Tuesday at the latter’s official residence, Varsha, said, “[Mr. Fadnavis] has invited me to join the BJP-led NDA. I conveyed that the decision will be taken in two days.”
On Monday, The Hindu had reported that the BJP had wanted Mr. Rane to form a party as a precondition to joining the NDA. Sources said discussions were in progress on the portfolio to be offered to Mr. Rane in the State Cabinet. They said he is likely to get the revenue ministry, presently held by Chandrakant Patil, who is next in seniority to the CM.
Sources in the BJP said a decision is yet to be taken. “It’s also possible that [Mr. Rane] will be given charge of the Public Works Department (PWD),” a senior State BJP leader said. The Cabinet is likely to be expanded before Diwali.
