Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan quits Congress, likely to join BJP

Mumbai, February 12:  In a surprising turn of events, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan has tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the Congress party. This move comes amid speculations and political ripples within the state.

Ashok Chavan's resignation was formally submitted to Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Nana Patole. Notably, Chavan also highlighted his status as a former MLA in the resignation letter, emphasising a departure from his longstanding association with the party.

The seasoned politician boasts an extensive political career, having served as the vice president and general secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress Committee from 1986 to 1995. Ashok Chavan's political journey also includes multiple terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, spanning from 1999 to May 2014.

His stint as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from December 8, 2008, to November 9, 2010, was marked by controversies, particularly the Adarsh Housing Society scam, which led to his resignation from the top office. Chavan, the scion of an influential political family, is the son of Shankarrao Chavan, a former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Union Home Minister.

In the 2014 General Election, Chavan secured victory from the Nanded constituency but faced defeat in 2019 against Pratap Patil Chikhalikar of the BJP.

Chavan's departure from the Congress is significant as he joins the ranks of other notable leaders who have left the party in Maharashtra, including former South Mumbai MP Milind Deora and former MLA Baba Siddique. The political landscape in Maharashtra is witnessing a series of notable exits from the Congress party.

Speculation is rife about Chavan's next move, with questions arising about a potential switch to the BJP. When asked about this possibility, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis provided a cryptic response, hinting at the interest of leaders from other parties in joining the BJP. Fadnavis suggested that the discontent among senior leaders in other parties, particularly the Congress, might be driving them toward the BJP.

Chavan, who represents Bhokar, Nanded as an MLA, has reportedly been at odds with the state party chief Nana Patole, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding political scenario. As Maharashtra watches these developments, the future political journey of Ashok Chavan remains a subject of keen interest and speculation. 

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(With inputs from agencies)

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