Saturday, July 30 2005 19:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Expelled Shiv Sena leader Narayan Rane, who joined Congress today (July 30, 2005), was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister.

Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna administered the oath to Rane at the Raj Bhavan, in the presence of Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil.

Talking to reporters after the swearing in ceremony, Rane said he had been offered post of a Cabinet Minister at the Centre by the Congress but he declined it.

"This is not the time for me to go to the Centre. I have decided to serve the people of Maharashtra," he said.

Asked if he would be allocated the Revenue portfolio, Rane said, "It is up to the Chief Minister. I hope to get a portfolio this evening (July 30, 2005) itself."