In the third week of June, CM Prithviraj Chavan was on the brink of losing his chair, thanks to NCP’s pressure tactics and manoeuvrings in Delhi. But in a refreshing display of solidarity, the Congress high command stood solidly behind him. When sulking industries minister Narayan Rane tendered his resignation on July 21 over his unhappiness with CM’s leadership, the high command backed Chavan yet again, and wheedled Rane into relenting.

After the crisis, Chavan said he would lead Congress from the front, into the state assembly elections. But there is doubt over how much scope he has to do that. The Congress high command has now forced Chavan to work with five different committees, appointed for the elections. Rane will head the state campaign committee, with Chavan a mere member in it. This implies that the party leadership is either unsure of CM’s leadership, or cannot ignore his detractors.