In a surprising turn of events, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress stalwart Ashok Chavan announced his resignation from the party on Monday, dealing a fresh blow to the opposition alliance INDIA bloc. Chavan’s departure comes just months before the highly anticipated Lok Sabha elections, adding to the challenges faced by the Congress-led coalition.
Chavan, a prominent political figure in Maharashtra, conveyed his decision in a succinct one-line resignation letter to Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Nana Patole. In the letter, he stated, “I hereby submit my resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with effect from noon on 12/02/2024.” Additionally, the 65-year-old leader has submitted his resignation as an MLA to the speaker.
This development follows the recent resignations of senior Maharashtra Congress leaders Baba Siddique and Milind Deora, signaling a growing trend of discontent within the grand old party. The departure of influential leaders poses a significant challenge for the Congress, which is already grappling with internal issues and facing a formidable opponent in the upcoming elections.
Amid speculation surrounding Chavan’s future political moves, BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged observers to wait and watch. Fadnavis suggested that many leaders connected with the masses are feeling stifled within the Congress and hinted at the possibility of more defections to the BJP. “Aage aage dekhiye hota hai kya,” he remarked, emphasizing the unfolding nature of the political landscape.
Ashok Chavan, who served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from December 2008 to November 2010, has been a key figure within the Congress in Maharashtra. His departure raises questions about the party’s internal dynamics and the challenges it may face in the upcoming elections. Chavan, the son of former Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, has held various crucial positions within the party, including the role of General Secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee.
