Ex-Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan joins BJP day after quitting Congress
What's the story
Ashok Chavan, a former chief minister of Maharashtra, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday.
"I am joining the BJP today at its office in Mumbai. Today is the beginning of my new political career," Chavan said in a statement.
This came a day after he resigned from the Congress on Monday.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Chavan's resignation came after many Congress heavyweights, including Milind Deora and Baba Siddique, quit the party in Maharashtra.
Chavan was considered one of the most influential leaders of the grand old party in the state.
He is the son of former Maharashtra CM Shankarrao Chavan and has held several positions within the party, including as the general secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee.
Twitter Post
Watch: Chavan joins BJP at party's Mumbai office
#WATCH | Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan joins the BJP at the party's office in Mumbai. He recently quit Congress.
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024
Former Congress MLC Amar Rajurkar also joined the BJP. pic.twitter.com/2833wY76am
Statement
Reason for Chavan's exit from Congress unknown
In his statement earlier in the day, Chavan said he will join the BJP in the presence of leaders such as Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar.
Asked if he received any calls from senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Chavan evaded a reply.
He also did not provide a reason for his exit from the Congress.
Twitter Post
Watch: Chavan's full statement here
#WATCH | After quitting Congress, former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan says "Today around 12-12:30, I am going to start a new journey of my political career, I am going to join BJP..." pic.twitter.com/hpSZDoQVWp
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024
History
Chavan allegedly upset over discrimination in Congress
Chavan has maintained a low profile in the Congress lately.
He was allegedly upset with the party for elevating BJP defector Nana Patole to several key positions, including the state president.
Earlier, he also skipped the crucial vote of confidence that ensured the new BJP-Shiv Sena government's win.
Some reports claimed he voted against the Congress candidates in the Legislative Council polls as well.