In a major political development in Maharashtra, senior Congress leader and former MLA Ravindra Dhangekar has officially resigned from the party. Speculations about his departure had been circulating for some time, and on March 10, he put an end to the uncertainty by submitting his resignation. Reports indicate that he is likely to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in the coming days.
Ravindra Dhangekar, who has been a well-known political figure in Pune, cited his dedication to public service as the primary reason for his decision. Speaking about his resignation, he stated that he has always been known as a leader who fights for the common people of Pune and wants to continue serving them effectively. He emphasized that before making any final decision on his next political move, he would consult his well-wishers and supporters. Later in the evening, he plans to hold discussions with them regarding his future course of action.
His shift to Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) appears almost certain, as he has confirmed that he will be meeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday to finalize his entry into the party. It is expected that during this meeting, the date and modalities of his formal induction into Shiv Sena will be decided.
This move comes after Ravindra Dhangekar’s recent meetings with key leaders from the Shinde camp, including Eknath Shinde and Maharashtra minister Uday Samant. While earlier he had denied any plans to leave Congress, his latest decision to quit the party suggests that his discussions with Eknath Shinde and Uday Samant have influenced his political future. Sources suggest that these meetings played a crucial role in his decision to switch sides.
Expressing his emotions about leaving Congress, Ravindra Dhangekar acknowledged that it was a difficult decision for him. However, he insisted that he had made no demands from Eknath Shinde and was primarily focused on working alongside him for the benefit of the people. He reiterated that his main priority remains the welfare of Pune residents and that any political move he makes will be in alignment with that commitment.
Ravindra Dhangekar’s resignation marks another significant blow to the Congress party in Maharashtra, which has been struggling with internal discord and leadership challenges. His potential entry into Shiv Sena is expected to strengthen the Shinde faction’s hold in Pune and may impact the political equations in the region ahead of the upcoming elections.
