Maharashtra ex-CM Narayan Rane’s MLA sons exchange jibes on social media

Mumbai, Jun 19 (PTI) The ongoing public spat on social media between former Maharashtra CM Narayan Rane’s sons, both MLAs, has created ripples in state political circles.

While Nitesh Rane is a minister, Nilesh is a Shiv Sena MLA from Kudal in coastal Konkan. Nitesh is a BJP MLA from Kankavli in the same region.

In the latest exchange on X, Nitesh has advised his brother to refrain from threatening an office-bearer of the ruling alliance partner. He did not name the office-bearer or the party.

“You should note that we are constituents of the ruling alliance,” Nitesh added.

Narayan Rane, a former Union minister, had last week disapproved of remarks made by Nitesh, which implied BJP’s superiority over others.

He insisted it was wrong on his son's part to use such a language and sought to put a lid on the controversy triggered by the latter’s remarks made over the weekend.

"It was wrong to use the term 'baap'. I have told Nitesh so,” the Lok Sabha MP from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg in Konkan region had told reporters.

The controversy began on June 7 when Nitesh Rane, speaking at a BJP workers' meeting in Dharashiv, claimed the BJP was the "baap" (father) of all parties.

The remarks drew sharp reactions from within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.

Shiv Sena MLA and Nitesh's elder brother, Nilesh Rane, issued a public caution on June 8 via a post on X, urging him to speak with greater responsibility.

"Nitesh should be aware of what statements he is making. It is easy to address a public meeting, but you should know who you are actually benefiting from your speech," Nilesh Rane wrote, emphasising the importance of coalition unity.

However, he later deleted his tweet. PTI VT VT