“Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan Likely to Join BJP, Sparks Party Resignations”
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan’s resignation from the Congress party has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with reports indicating his possible shift to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Chavan tendered his resignation from the Congress on Monday, prompting speculation of an imminent entry into the BJP ranks. Sources suggest that several Congress MLAs and office bearers in the state may follow suit.
Addressing reporters after his resignation, Chavan confirmed his departure from the Congress Working Committee and the primary membership of the party, emphasizing his decision to step down as an MLA as well. All members of the Congress Legislative Party are together. BJP leaders are spreading rumours that some people are in touch with them,” Chavan said while addressing the media.
“It is really surprising. This hasn’t happened in Maharashtra before. It is totally a dirty political game by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),” he added.
The move has drawn criticism from within the Congress, with party leaders denouncing it as a calculated political maneuver by the BJP. Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan expressed dismay over Ashok Chavan’s decision, highlighting his significant contributions to the party and raising concerns over potential defections.
Jairam Ramesh, another Congress stalwart, took a swipe at the BJP, suggesting that the party’s influence cannot destabilize the Congress despite recent departures.
Ashok Chavan’s political career spans several decades, including his tenure as Vice President and General Secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress Committee. He served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister from 2008 to 2010 before facing corruption allegations related to the Adarsh Housing Society scam. Ashok Chavan was the Vice President and General Secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress Committee from 1986 to 1995.
He served the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for three terms, starting in 1999 and ending in May 2014.
He served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra State from December 8, 2008, to November 9, 2010. On November 9, 2010, the Congress Party asked him to resign from office over corruption allegations relating to the Adarsh Housing Society scam.
In the 2014 general elections, Chavan was elected from the Nanded constituency but lost the seat in 2019 Pratap Patil Chikhalikar of the BJP.
Chavan’s reported differences with state party chief Nana Patole have fueled speculation about his departure from the Congress fold.
His potential move to the BJP would mark a significant development ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, further reshaping the political landscape in Maharashtra.