It will be a litmus test for Congress in Maharashtra, and the reason for the same could be attributed to the continuous switching of the allegiance of its MLAs.
After Milind Deora and Baba Siddiqui, now, senior Congress Leader Ashok Chavan announced his exit from the grand old party, marking the third major Congress Leader to switch its loyalty to the ruling BJP in just a span of weeks.
It is pertinent to note that while there has been no official confirmation of Chavan’s joining the BJP, however, media reports suggest that he may be offered a Rajya Sabha seat or be fielded in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls by the saffron party.
Announcing his resignation today, via a social media post, the Congress leader said, “Today i.e. on Monday, February 12, 2024, I have tendered my resignation as Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 85- Bhokar Assembly Constituency to the Assembly Speaker Rahulji Narvekar.”
I have not spoken to any party yet
In a social media post today, Chavan announced his resignation as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Bhokar Assembly Constituency. However, he has not cited any reasons for his decision. Despite widespread speculation about his potential move to the BJP, Chavan has clarified that he has not yet held any discussions with other parties and will take a few days to decide his future course of action.
Speaking to reporters following his resignation, Chavan said, “I will take a decision in next couple of days. I have not spoken to any party yet.”
Significantly, the delay in finalizing seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls has been cited as a point of contention by Chavan, hinting at underlying dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks.
Once considered a staunch Congress loyalist, Ashok Chavan’s political trajectory took a turn as he faced allegations related to the Adarsh scam during his tenure as Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2008 to 2010. His resignation from the party marks a significant development in the state’s political landscape.
Opposition’s sharp dig on Chavan
The news of Chavan’s resignation has elicited sharp reactions from within the political spectrum. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed his disappointment. He said, “much—perhaps much more they deserved—it is always a matter of anguish. But to those who are vulnerable, THAT Washing Machine will always prove more attractive than ideological commitment or personal loyalties. These betrayers don’t realise that their exit opens up vast new opportunities to those whose growth they have always stunted.”
Similarly, Sanjay Raut of the Shivsena- UBT criticized Chavan’s move, drawing parallels with other recent defections within the political arena. He said, “Ashok Chavan became a BJP member. I can’t believe it. Till yesterday they were together..were discussing..gone today. Like Eknath Mindhe and Ajit Pawar, will Chavan also claim the Congress now and get a hand sign? And will the Election Commission give it to them? Anything can happen in our country.”
”Dekhiye aage-aage hota hai kya”
Amidst the growing instability in the opposition bloc in Maharashtra, the BJP has hinted at the possibility of further defections from the Congress and other opposition parties.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed that several prominent leaders from other parties, especially Congress, have expressed interest in joining the BJP, citing dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
“Several tall leaders of other parties want to join the BJP. Especially, several Congress leaders are in touch with us because of the behaviour of the senior leaders. They are feeling suffocated in their party…Who all are in our contact that will be revealed soon…Aage aage dekhiye hota hai kya (wait and watch what happens next),” Fadnavis told the media.
