Sunday, July 3 2005 10:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Senior Shiv Sena leader Narayan Rane announced that he is stepping down as Sena leader in Maharashtra assembly.

"Going by the recent development in the party, I have come to the conclusion that the party doesn't require my services so I have decided to step down," Rane told reporters at his official residence in Mumbai yesterday night (July 2, 2005). However, Rane made it clear that he had no intentions of leaving the Sena.

Rane said he would hand over his resignation to Sena supremo Bal Thackeray today (July 3, 2005).

Asked, if he would also be quitting as leader of Opposition in Maharashtra assembly, Rane said he would take a decision on the issue on Monday (July 4, 2005).

Rane said the last time he met the Sena chief Bal Thackeray was on June 27. "There have been meetings of party's legislators and workers but I have not been invited to these meetings recently," Rane said.

"I was the topic of the meeting called at 'Matoshree', where in Shiv Sena office bearers from my Sindhudurg district were invited," Rane said adding, that he was not invited for the meeting.

Rane said there was no question of his quitting the Sena. "I have been a Shiv Sainik for around three decades, half of which were as a party worker on the street," he said.

Rane said he had not held any meetings or discussions with leaders from other parties.

Asked if the Sena chief's son and the party executive president Uddhav Thackeray was unhappy with him, Rane said, "He is the party executive president. He must be feeling that my suggestions are not required."

Rane said he will not be participating in the meetings of Sena legislators convened in Mumbai today. To a query, if he would attend the meeting, if called by the Sena Chief, Rane said, "Let me get the call first."