Maharashtra’s political heavyweight Narayan Rane on Thursday quit the Congress without committing himself on a future course of action — whether he will join the BJP or float his own party.

He accused the Congress of reneging on its promise of making him the CM after he joined the party 12 years ago.

Addressing a press conference in Oros, Sindhudurg district, Rane said: “I went to a national party with great hopes. Yet, during all my 12 years with the Congress, they never made use of my capacity. Instead, I was insulted.

“At one time, three Central observers — Pranab Mukherjee, Digvijaya Singh and AK Antony — too approved of my name. Forty-eight legislators supported me as their CM of choice. Yet, all this came to nothing.”

Rane has also stepped down from his seat in the Legislative Council. “Before you remove me, I myself am resigning from the Congress. I’ll be deciding on my future after Navratri. I’ll show the Congress what my true power is. I’ll be travelling across the State from tomorrow,” said Rane, who was earlier the Chief Minister in the Shiv Sena government.

“I do not run after posts...they come to me. Not only the Konkan region, but the party will see a massive exodus across,” he said, adding that 25 Congress corporators across the State have also quit the party in solidarity with him.

Commenting on his next step, Rane said: “A decision will be made by Dussehra. Many (political parties) are clamouring for my entry.”

Rane was reported to have met BJP president Amit Shah in Ahmedabad a few months ago, sparking speculation on his plans to join that party.

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