Time to Act: Rane’s Conduct Demands Accountability Enough has been said about Minister Vishwajit Rane’s feudal and uncivilized behavior — and tellingly, not a single voice has come to his defense. His latest public outburst, involving the berating of a senior doctor in the presence of patients, nurses, and residents, is not just disgraceful but indicative of deeper frustrations and perhaps even mental unrest. This act is unbecoming of a minister and a blatant abuse of power.
This is not a case that can be brushed aside like Minister Gaude’s remarks, which were referred to the Centre for consideration. The damage to the BJP’s image due to Rane's conduct is far more severe. The act of occupying the Chief Minister's chair in his absence, and humiliating him in front of all present, is unprecedented and reeks of arrogance. Rane’s political ambition is no secret. Like L.K. Advani, an astrologer has predicted he will never become Chief Minister — a forecast increasingly appearing credible. Beyond his spouse, he enjoys little to no support from other legislators for such a position. In recent times, Rane has been seen cozying up to Digambar Kamat, even offering unsolicited apologies for his past attacks and calling him his “mentor and political guru.” This appears to be a veiled overture, possibly hoping for future backing in his CM ambitions. He claims to have no ego — if true, he should gracefully apologize to the Health Department staff in person as demanded and not onpublic platform as demanded. The CM has tried to defuse the crisis with a personal visit and full assurance to the aggrieved party. This move seems aimed more at damage control than justice — possibly a way to protect the government from mounting backlash. Let us not forget that CM Pramod Sawant conferred the status and monetary perks of a Minister to the retired senior Rane — likely a tactic to appease Vishwajit and contain his ambition. The more appropriate response would have been either dropping him from the Cabinet or at the very least, shifting his portfolio. Rane has long treated GMC like a personal fiefdom — filling it with his supporters and reportedly misusing government transport for their benefit. The rumors of financial gain from the TCP ministry further add weight to the “no smoke without fire” saying. In the end, it's evident that Rane’s obsession with power has blinded him to the responsibilities and dignity that come with public office. His latest outburst may well have sealed his fate. By sacrificing humility and decorum at the altar of ego and pride, Rane may have hammered the final nail into his own political coffin. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim . Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
