The 75-year-old former Chief Minister, who is currently Leader of Opposition, will not contest the next Assembly election, Goa Congress President John Fernandes announced here today.
"Rane has told me he won't be contesting the state Assembly polls again," he told reporters while maintaining that veterans should retire from active politics to pave the way for younger generation.
The current term of the Assembly ends in March 2017.
"I have always favoured infusion of fresh blood in the party," Fernandes said, terming Rane's decision as a "welcome sign".
More From This Section
The MLA from Poriem dominated Goa politics in 1980s, during which he oversaw Goa's transition from a Union Territory to a full-fledged state, and also part of 1990s.
He was the Chief Minister between 1979-1990 and 2005-2007. Rane also served as Goa Assembly Speaker.
Responding to another question, Fernandes termed as "unfortunate" the resignation of former State Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar from Congress.
"It is unfortunate that Narvekar has chosen to leave us, but we wish him all the best."
Narvekar quit the party yesterday alleging he was being ignored in the organisation.