Congress veteran Pratapsingh Rane has decided to distance himself from party’s campaigning against his son-party rebel and Minister in the BJP-led coalition Government- Vishwajit during the forthcoming by-polls for the Valpoi constituency- that will take place in next five months.

On the other hand, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) that met on Tuesday morning has resolved that all its 16 MLAs will work against Vishwajit during the by-elections. The 16 MLAs include Pratapsingh also.

“We have resolved that all 16 MLAs will work against Vishwajit and will retain Valpoi seat. All 16 include Pratapsingh Rane also. But we are not going to force senior Rane to go against his Son. The decision has to be taken by him only,” CLP leader Chandrakant Kavalekar told TNV soon after the meeting.

When tried to contact Pratapsingh, sitting Poriem MLA, he refused to comment on the issue. But CLP sources confirm that senior Rane has clearly informed his colleagues that he will not work against his son.

The CLP also passed the draft disqualification petition to be filed against Vishwajit.

During the crucial floor test in the assembly on March 16, Vishwajit, left the House, immediately after being administered his oath by the pro-tem Speaker, reducing the Congress’ strength to 16 MLAs and House to 39 members. Vishwajit had signed the whip issued by the party before the floor test.

The former Health Minister joined BJP on April 6

Team TNV