Maharashtra: Ex-CM Ashok Chavan resigns from Congress, might join BJP
Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Monday resigned from the party's primary membership. This is being seen as a major setback for the Congress in Maharashtra ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. While reports said Chavan would join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he hasn't confirmed anything. He was allegedly unhappy with the grand old party's decisions in the state.
Why does this story matter?
Chavan's resignation comes after many Congress heavyweights, including Milind Deora and Baba Siddique, quit the party in Maharashtra. He was considered one of the most influential leaders of the grand old party in the state. He is the son of former Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan and has held several positions within the party, including as the general secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee.
Chavan issues statement about his decision
Chavan announced his decision in a statement on Monday afternoon. "I hereby submit my resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with effect from 12/02/2024 noon (sic)," he said. Chavan also met Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar in Mumbai on Monday before submitting his resignation. Meanwhile, following the development, several top BJP leaders gathered at the party's Mumbai Pradesh office.
Several Congress leaders in touch with BJP: Fadnavis
Meanwhile, BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted with caution to Chavan's decision. "I heard about [Chavan's Congress exit] from the media. But the only thing I can say now is that several good leaders from Congress are in touch with the BJP," he said. "Those leaders who are connected with the masses are feeling suffocated in Congress," Fadnavis added.
Chavan was 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. He had 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.
