1. Ashok Chavan, former Maharashtra CM and prominent Congress leader, resigns from the party, impacting the INDIA bloc.
2. His departure compounds recent exits, including those of senior leaders Baba Siddique and Milind Deora, amplifying challenges for the Congress in Maharashtra.
3. The series of resignations ahead of the Lok Sabha elections intensifies the party’s predicament in the state.
Mumbai, Feb 12: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and prominent Congress leader Ashok Chavan dealt a blow to the opposition alliance INDIA bloc by resigning from the party on Monday, adding to a series of exits from the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Chavan’s departure follows recent resignations by senior Maharashtra Congress leaders Baba Siddique and Milind Deora, further complicating the party’s situation in the state.
In a concise resignation letter addressed to Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Nana Patole, Chavan stated, “I hereby submit my resignation from primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with effect from noon on 12/02/2024.” Additionally, the 65-year-old leader submitted his resignation as MLA to the speaker.
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Confirming Chavan’s resignation as MLA, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar affirmed, “Ashok Chavan has tendered his resignation as MLA at 11.24 pm today to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar. The Speaker’s office has accepted the resignation,”
Sources indicate that the BJP may offer Chavan a Rajya Sabha seat, with several MLAs reportedly in contact with him and considering a switch to the BJP.
Reacting to speculation about Chavan’s political trajectory, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis urged observers to “wait and watch.” He hinted at potential defections from the Congress to the BJP, suggesting that leaders disillusioned with the Congress may seek alternatives.
Chavan, who served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister from December 2008 to November 2010, held significant influence within the Congress in Maharashtra.
He hails from a political family, being the son of former Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan.
Throughout his career, Chavan held various leadership roles within the party, including General Secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee.
His departure underscores the challenges facing the Congress in Maharashtra and raises questions about its future direction in the state’s political landscape.
