Rane claims credit for MoU being postponed.

Former chief minister Narayan Rane on Friday claimed credit for the postponement of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the refinery project planned in Konkan’s Nanar village.

Mr. Rane, who floated the Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha recently, had addressed a rally in Nanar a few days before Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with residents of the village. Mr. Rane said Mr. Thackeray has been cheating the people of Konkan region.

He said, “It was my rally that forced Mr. Thackeray to meet the CM and submit letters opposing the project. If the Sena is really against the project, then it must cancel the acquisition notification issued by the MIDC, which comes under the Industry portfolio it holds.”

Industry Minister Subhash Desai has confirmed that the MoU would not be inked during the Magnetic Maharashtra conclave beginning on February 19.

Mr. Rane said he would continue to oppose the project even after the conclave. He said, “The Sena has always practised double standards. First its minister announces that the MoU will be signed. Later, he cancels the programme.”

THE HINDU