Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan Quits Congress, Joins BJP

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after quitting the Congress. Chavan’s decision comes just a day after he resigned from the Congress and the Assembly. 

It is speculated that Ashok Chavan may be offered a Rajya Sabha seat, which could explain his quick move to join the BJP. Chavan’s aide, Amar Rajurkar, who also resigned as a Member of the Legislative Council, will be joining the BJP as well.

Chavan’s departure is seen as another setback for the Maharashtra Congress, especially with state and general elections approaching. His differences with state party chief Nana Patole are said to have played a role in his decision. 

Chavan expressed his frustration with the delay in finalizing seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which includes the Congress, UT-led Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Congress leaders have criticized Chavan for his decision. Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at him, comparing him to a “washing machine” and accusing him of prioritizing personal gain over ideological commitment. 

Maharashtra Congress chief Patole expressed disappointment over leaders leaving the party despite having been given opportunities.

Ashok Chavan comes from a political family and has held various positions within the Congress. 

He has served as an MP from Nanded, been a member of both Houses of the state legislature, and held the Chief Minister post. 

However, his tenure as Chief Minister was cut short due to corruption allegations related to the Adarsh Housing Society scam.

Ashok Chavan said that the legal process will take its own course. The Adarsh Housing Society scam came to light in 2010 when it was discovered that politicians, bureaucrats, and military officials had broken rules to get flats for themselves and their relatives.

Chavan is named as an accused in the scam, but the trial court is yet to take note of the chargesheet filed against him. Chavan mentioned during a press conference that the case is currently in the High Court.

Chavan recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and expressed his intention to support the party in upcoming elections. He stated that his decision to join the BJP was a personal one and that nobody had asked him to do so. 

Chavan also mentioned that he had been sincere with the Congress when he was a part of it, but circumstances led him to make this decision for the sake of inclusive growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Chavan’s departure from the Congress party came shortly after other senior Maharashtra Congress leaders resigned.

Chavan joining the BJP is a big deal because it could change politics in Maharashtra. Since elections are coming up, his power in the Nanded area could be important. 

The Maha Vikas Aghadi now has to work hard to stay strong and united as other important leaders leave for different parties.