Rane dismisses rumours of resignation

Dismissing rumours about his resignation, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Narayan Rane, who has openly criticised Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh's style of functioning, said he is still in the Congress.

On his arrival from Delhi on Sunday night after meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi, he said, "I have not resigned, it's a rumour. I was carrying my resignation letter (when he went to Delhi), but did not say anything about it to Soniaji."

He also declined to reveal what transpired between him and Sonia during the meeting.

"I will not speak about what I discussed with Soniaji. I informed her about what I told the media on the functioning of Deshmukh's government in the state," he said.

Rane, who joined Congress after quitting Shiv Sena in 2005, met Sonia on Sunday after he criticised the chief minister publicly.

He also cautioned the Congress high command that Deshmukh's continuance as chief minister would spell doom for the party during the next election in 2009.