In a significant political development, Ashok Chavan, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today, just a day after announcing his resignation from the Congress. A prominent figure for the Congress in the politically crucial state, Chavan was welcomed into the BJP fold by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the state party chief, Chandrashekhar Bawankul.
Sources indicate that Mr. Chavan is set to file nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election tomorrow. The urgency of the nomination deadline played a pivotal role in his swift transition from the Congress to the BJP, as per the sources.
While addressing the media yesterday, Chavan had initially hinted at taking a few days to decide on his political future. However, this morning, he surprised many by announcing his immediate entry into a new political journey with the BJP.
The departure of Ashok Chavan marks another setback for the Maharashtra Congress, coming just months ahead of state polls and the general election. Earlier, prominent Congress leader Milind Deora left the party to join the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and Baba Siddique shifted allegiance to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
Congress insiders suggest that Chavan’s decision was influenced by his differences with state party chief Nana Patole. Yesterday, he expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed finalization of seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, raising concerns just months before the polls.
Sanjay Nirupam, a leader of Mumbai Congress, stated that Chavan was upset with the working style of a Congress leader in Maharashtra, without naming anyone specific. Nirupam remarked that Chavan had approached the top leadership, implying that his concerns were not adequately addressed, leading to the current situation.
In response to Chavan’s departure, Congress leaders have not held back from criticizing him. Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh took a veiled swipe, using the metaphor of a “washing machine” — a term often employed by Congress to accuse the BJP of impeding criminal investigations against opposition leaders who switch sides.
Ramesh expressed anguish over the departure of colleagues from the party, highlighting the allure of certain benefits over ideological commitment or personal loyalties. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole lamented the situation, emphasizing the unfortunate departure of leaders who have received everything from the Congress party and its ideology.
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