In a huge setback for the Congress in Maharashtra, former Chief Minister and ex-MP Ashok Chavan has resigned from the party”s primary membership, signaling a potential shift in his political allegiance amid talks of a possible move to the BJP. Reports suggest that Chavan, a veteran leader, is being considered for a Rajya Sabha ticket, adding fuel to speculation surrounding his sudden departure.
Chavan, who was the Chief Minister from December 2008 to November 2010, formally announced his resignation, stating, “I hereby submit my resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with effect from 12/02/2024 noon.”
His decision comes amid a series of defections from the Congress ranks, including the recent departure of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique who switched over to Ajit Pawar’s NCP ending a lengthy association with the Congress spanning nearly five decades.
Chavan’s resignation also follows a similar move by Milind Deora, marking the end of a longstanding family legacy within the Congress.
Speculation surrounding Chavan”s potential switch gained traction after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hinted at ongoing discussions with several Congress leaders considering their options amid perceived disenchantment within the party.
When Fadnavis was asked if Chavan was joining the party, he had said, “I heard about Ashok Chavan from media. But only thing I can say now is that several good leaders from Congress are in touch of BJP. Those leaders who are connected with the masses are feeling suffocated in Congress. I am confident that some big faces will join Congress.”
Sources within the Congress cite disagreements between Chavan and state party chief Nana Patole over candidate selection as a probable catalyst for his departure. The son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, Ashok Chavan commands considerable influence in the Nanded region, potentially tilting the political landscape against the Congress in the upcoming elections.
His resignation delivers a significant blow to the beleaguered Congress party, which is already grappling with internal strife and recent electoral defeats. According to party sources, three Congress MLAs –Subhash Dhote, Jitesh Antarpurkar and Amar Rajurkar – are expected to follow Ashok Chavan’s lead.
With state assembly elections slated for later this year, Chavan”s departure sets the scene for a gripping political saga in Maharashtra.
