Panaji: Former Goa CM and Veteran Congress leader Pratapsinh Rane has distanced himself from the electoral race. The Congress had fielded Rane from his traditional seat of Poriem for next month's Assembly elections in Goa. Rane's decision not to contest the elections is being seen as a major setback for Congress. However, Rane has not given any reason in this regard. But a senior Congress leader confirmed that the former CM has conveyed his decision not to contest the elections to the party.
Sources close to Rane told the media that the former CM has decided not to contest the election to avoid a direct fight with his daughter-in-law Deviya Rane. Deviya Rane is contesting as a BJP candidate from the park. The 87-year-old, a six-time Goa CM, has been elected MLA from Poriem for 11 consecutive terms.
A Congress spokesperson said, "Pratapsinh Rane has told the party that he will not contest from the Poriem. After this, Congress has selected another candidate in his place. The BJP has given a ticket to Deviya Rane, wife of state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, from the park. There was speculation that Pratapsinh Rane may suggest the name of his wife Vijaya Devi to the Congress for the candidate from the Poriem. However, in the revised list released by the party on Thursday, Ranjit Rane was declared the Congress candidate from the Poriem.
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