Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan to Join BJP Today After Quitting Congress

In a significant political move, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who resigned from the Congress just a day ago, is poised to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later today. Expressing his intentions, Mr. Chavan stated to news agency ANI, “Today around 12-12:30, I am going to start a new journey of my political career, I am going to join BJP.”

The decision comes swiftly after Mr. Chavan’s resignation from the Congress and the Assembly, with sources indicating that he may be offered a Rajya Sabha seat. Deputy Chief Minister and prominent BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is expected to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Chavan as he transitions to his new political affiliation. Additionally, Mr. Chavan’s close associate Amar Rajurkar, who resigned as MLC alongside him, is also anticipated to join the BJP today.

Mr. Chavan’s exit from the Congress represents another setback for the Maharashtra Congress, occurring just months ahead of the state polls and the general election. Earlier defections, including that of key Congress leader Milind Deora to the Shiv Sena and Baba Siddique to the NCP, have further weakened the party’s position.

Speculation surrounding Mr. Chavan’s departure points to underlying tensions with Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, particularly regarding delays in finalizing seat-sharing arrangements within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. Sanjay Nirupam, a prominent Mumbai Congress leader, hinted at Mr. Chavan’s dissatisfaction with the working style of certain Congress leaders in Maharashtra, without naming anyone specifically.

Responding to Mr. Chavan’s decision, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed disappointment, likening the allure of defection to the BJP to a “washing machine” for vulnerable politicians seeking personal gain over ideological commitment. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole lamented the departure of leaders who have forsaken the party and its ideology.

Ashok Chavan, the scion of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, has wielded considerable influence in the Nanded region. His transition to the BJP comes at a critical juncture for the Maha Vikas Aghadi, confronting significant electoral challenges in the upcoming polls.

Mr. Chavan’s political trajectory has been marked by numerous milestones, from his inception as a student leader to holding prominent positions within the Congress party. Despite facing controversies, including his resignation amid corruption allegations in the Adarsh Housing Society scam, Mr. Chavan’s influence in Maharashtra politics remains undeniable.