Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan are likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party today, a day after officially resigning from the Indian National Congress.
With this development, Ashok Chavan becomes the third leader to quit Congress after Milind Deora and Baba Siddique.
Commenting on the same, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave nothing but subtle hints. “Aage aage dekho hota hai kya (wait and watch what happens),” Fadnavis said in Hindi, adding no further comments on whether Chavan will join the BJP or not.
Meanwhile, political commentator Hemant Desai spoke to The Print, where he mentioned that if Chavan does join the BJP, it will lead to a significant blow to the Congress.
“Whether it is Jitin Prasada, the Deoras, or Scindias, the Congress has lost many of its long-standing dynasty families. In Maharashtra, the Chavan dynasty was a major one. Ashok Chavan was among the Maharashtra Congress’ tallest figures, having been a former CM and a former president of its state unit. His father was Maharashtra CM during the Emergency, so his exit hurts the party dearly,” Desai said.
Speculations are also rife that Chavan would attempt to prevent the revival of the Adarsh Housing Society controversy, which led to his resignation as chief minister. This perspective is shared by Congress leaders and political analysts.
Meanwhile, post his resignation, Chavan said, “Till I was in the Congress, I worked for the party honestly. I have no complaints against anyone, and I have no issues with anyone personally. My next political direction will be decided in a couple of days. I haven’t decided anything yet… I haven’t taken any decision about joining the BJP yet.”
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