Thursday, July 7 2005 14:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Mystery shrouded the sudden visit of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane in New Delhi yesterday (July 6, 2005) night ahead of the crucial trial of strength in the Shiv Sena Legislature party in the state from which he was expelled early this week.

Rane arrived in New Delhi late yesterday (July 6, 2005) night unannounced and left the national capital, suddenly in the wee hours for Mumbai.

His visit to Delhi came amid speculations that he would be meeting Ahmed Patel, Political Secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, but Patel said no such meeting took place.

Reports had it that Rane planned to meet AICC General Margaret Alva, who is in charge of party affairs in Maharashtra. However, she had expressed ignorance about Rane's Delhi mission yesterday night.

National Congress Party (NCP) sources said the former Chief Minister was unlikely to meet any party leaders in Delhi as the discussions with him were on in Mumbai. Besides, party Chief and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar is at present abroad.

Deputy Chief Minister R Patil, State NCP President Arun Gujarati and senior Minister Chhagan Bhujbal are talking to Rane and reporting to party General Secretary D P Tripathi, who looks after Maharashtra.

Rane's visit to Delhi came a day before Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Babasaheb Kupekar asked Shiv Sena legislators to meet him amid conflicting claims about the support the former Chief Minister enjoyed in the 63-member Shiv Sena legislature party.