Mumbai Congress party has got a big blow in Maharashtra months ahead of the general elections and state polls as former chief minister Ashok Chavan resigned from the party’s primary membership amid reports that he was in talks with the BJP. The senior leader may get a ticket to the Rajya Sabha, according to sources.
Chavan, who represents Bhokar in the Assembly
Mr Chavan, who represents Bhokar in the Assembly, met Speaker Rahul Narvekar and handed in his resignation. If he joins the BJP, it will be the second big switchover in Maharashtra after Congress leader Milind Deora quit the party last month and joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Also, Congress leader and former state minister Baba Siddique quit the party and moved to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP earlier this month.
Several Congress leaders in touch with BJP
Earlier, BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been asked if Mr Chavan is joining the party. “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,” he had then said.
According to Congress sources, Mr Chavan’s differences with state party chief Nana Patole on selection of candidates may have played a major role in his decision to switch sides.