Ashok Chavan: Ashok Chavan’s office has reported that he is likely to join the BJP today in Mumbai, according to news agency ANI.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is expected to join the BJP today in Mumbai. This comes a day after he resigned from the Congress, dealing a significant blow to the party in the state ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress will be part of the INDIA bloc alongside Uddhav Sena and Sharad Pawar’s NCP. On Monday, Chavan did not outline his future plans, stating that he was not in discussions with any political party. However, he mentioned that he would reveal his next steps within 48 hours. While speculations suggested his potential BJP affiliation, Chavan denied any concrete link with the BJP on Monday, stating that he had not yet made a decision.
As Maharashtra Congress faces significant departures, this marks the first instance where the BJP stands to directly benefit. Unlike Milind Deora and Baba Siddique, who aligned themselves with BJP’s allies in Maharashtra—Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—this departure would directly bolster the BJP.
Ashok Chavan’s seat in the Rajya Sabha?
Following Ashok Chavan‘s departure, it was anticipated that he may receive a Rajya Sabha seat from the BJP. Uddhav Thackeray claimed that sending Chavan to the Rajya Sabha would be disrespectful to dead soldiers. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had already visited Nanded (Chavan’s hometown) and spoken about the corruption committed by Ashok Chavan. They claimed Chavan disrespected the families of the martyred troops. But if the prime minister sends Chavan to the Rajya Sabha, he will be demeaning our warriors,” Uddhav remarked.
“I have tendered my resignation as an MLA, relinquishing my membership in the Assembly. I have presented my resignation to the Speaker. Additionally, I have stepped down from my positions in the Congress Working Committee and from the primary membership of the Congress party. At this moment, I have not made a decision regarding joining any other political party. I will clarify my stance on joining a party within the next two days,” Chavan informed reporters following his resignation from the Congress.
Congress in a huddle following Ashok Chavan’s resignation.
Ashok Chavan ‘s unexpected resignation has taken the Congress by surprise, and now several MLAs are expected to follow suit. Maharashtra Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala has convened a crucial meeting of party leaders in Mumbai. According to Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, Ashok Chavan expressed dissatisfaction with the working style of a fellow Congress leader, namely Nana Patole.
Ratnavali