Now, NCP spots divide between Rane, Uddhav

NCP, which is currently concentrating on the Konkan region where Rane has a foothold, has sought to capitalise on this rift within the Sena to widen its base. Rane who is holidaying abroad, denied he was being wooed by the NCP. ‘‘For a fortnight, I have been abroad. Nobody has contacted me,’’ he said.

NCP state president Arun Gujarathi said: ‘‘Several key leaders are keen on joining the NCP. Nothing is official so far.’’

Rane, a Shiv Sainik who rose to the position of Chief Minister in 1999, does not get along with Thackeray’s son and party executive president Uddhav Thackeray. A cold war had broken out between the duo soon after the 2004 Assembly polls when Uddhav was eyeing the CM’s post. However, Sena lost the elections and Rane returned as Opposition Leader.

Two months ago, Rane had even walked out of a function organised by Prabodhan, an NGO with Sena connections, ignoring the presence of Uddhav who was chief guest.

Later, at a Sena conclave, Rane had slammed the ‘‘new culture in Sena’’ of partymen, who occupy key positions in local self-government bodies, putting their interests ahead of the party. At the same function, Uddhav had hit back at him saying those who criticised the Sena’s functionaries should start by improving themselves.