Mumbai, April 10 Former Union minister Narayan Rane delivered an outstanding performance as Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative assembly after the 1999 elections, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday.
"Then state ministers like Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar would often peek through the curtains in the legislative House to see if Rane or I were present, and would then decide accordingly," Gadkari said, sharing a light moment at a function in Sindhudurg district on the occasion of Rane turning 75.
Rane, then with the Shiv Sena, was the LoP in the assembly and Gadkari the LoP in the legislative council after the first Shiv Sena-BJP government in the state lost power in the 1999 elections.
Rane, who had previously served as revenue minister and later as chief minister, combined aggressive politics with sharp, well-researched arguments that were difficult to counter, Gadkari said, adding that his speeches during legislative sessions would corner the government.
Rane's role as Leader of the Opposition was similar to that of a "night watchman" in cricket, said Gadkari.
"A night watchman comes in at a crucial time, remains not out, and then bats so well the next day that even the main batters are overshadowed," he said.
Rane's speeches on subjects ranging from industry to dairy to governance were always to-the-point and constructive, he stated.
While strong performances from bright individuals are expected, it is extraordinary when someone exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impact, Gadkari said, adding, "Rane's performance was that magical."
Urging young legislators to learn from Rane's example, Gadkari said studying his speeches as Leader of the Opposition would be beneficial for all MLAs.
