Ashok Chavan, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a prominent figure in the Congress party, tendered his resignation from the party’s membership on Monday, dealing another blow to the opposition alliance, INDIA bloc, just months before the Lok Sabha elections.
When questioned about his potential allegiance to the BJP, Chavan informed journalists, “I have not made a decision regarding joining the BJP yet, as I am unfamiliar with their operational procedures,” further stating that he intends to determine his future political path within the next two days.
This development follows closely on the heels of the resignations of senior Maharashtra Congress leaders Baba Siddique and Milind Deora from the party.
In a succinct letter of resignation addressed to Nana Patole, the President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, Ashok Chavan stated, “I hereby resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party effective from noon on 12/02/2024.” Additionally, the 65-year-old leader has submitted his resignation as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) to the speaker.
Speaking to reporters post-resignation, Chavan remarked, “I have tendered my resignation both as an MLA and from all positions within the Congress party. I will decide on my course of action in the next few days. While I have dedicated my life to the Congress, I am now exploring other options.”
He added, “I have been a committed Congressman throughout my life, and I believe I don’t owe an explanation every time I choose to leave the party; this is a personal decision.”
Ashok Chavan May Get Rajya Sabha Seat From BJP
Reports suggest that the BJP may extend an offer of a Rajya Sabha seat to Ashok Chavan, with sources indicating that 10 to 12 MLAs are also considering switching sides in due course. Amid speculation surrounding Ashok Chavan’s future endeavors, Devendra Fadnavis, BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, advised patience, stating, “I have learned about Ashok Chavan’s resignation through the media. However, I can only say that several eminent leaders from the Congress are in contact with the BJP. Leaders who are deeply connected with the masses are feeling constrained within the Congress. I am confident that some significant figures will join the BJP. Let’s wait and watch what unfolds.”
Ashok Chavan, who served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from December 2008 to November 2010, was regarded as one of the Congress party’s most influential figures in the state. He resigned in 2010 amidst allegations of involvement in the Adarsh housing scam in Mumbai. Hailing from the Nanded district in the Marathwada region, he has held various positions within the party, including the role of state Congress chief from 2014 to 2019. He is the son of former Chief Minister, Shankarrao Chavan.
Loyalists Also Quit
Following Chavan’s departure, some of his loyalists also exited the party. Amarnath Rajurkar, a former member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, who recently concluded his term, resigned from all positions in the Congress alongside Chavan. Jagdish Amin, a councilor and the Mumbai district president, also stepped down from his party position and joined the BJP in the presence of Fadnavis and BJP Mumbai president Ashish Shelar.
Congress Response
In response to Chavan’s resignation, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a dig at him, remarking, “These defectors fail to recognize that their departure creates significant opportunities for those whose progress they have hindered.” He added, “When friends and colleagues depart from a political party that has provided them with much—perhaps more than they deserved—it is always disheartening. However, for those susceptible to vulnerability, the allure of opportunism often outweighs ideological commitment or personal loyalty.”
Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena expressed surprise at Chavan’s decision, stating,
“I am taken aback by Ashok Chavan’s actions. He was involved in seat distribution until yesterday, and suddenly he has switched sides. I suspect he is eyeing a position in the Rajya Sabha. It seems everyone is primarily concerned with their own interests.”
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