In a significant move, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, marking a notable shift in his political allegiance. The momentous occasion took place in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who warmly welcomed Chavan into the party fold.
Fadnavis, acknowledging Chavan's extensive political experience and contributions, hailed him as a "stalwart leader of Maharashtra" who has served diligently in both the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha. Expressing his satisfaction at Chavan's decision to join the BJP, Fadnavis urged Bawankule to formally accept him as a primary member of the party. "I appeal to our state president, Bawankule, to accept Ashok Chavan as a primary member of the BJP by signing the party form," Fadnavis remarked, as Chavan paid the requisite membership fee of Rs 500.
Image Source: The Hindu
Chavan's First Press Conference as a BJP Member
During his inaugural press conference as a BJP member, Chavan shared a light moment with Fadnavis when he mistakenly referred to Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar as the "Mumbai Congress president." This slip of the tongue prompted laughter from the BJP supporters gathered at the Mumbai BJP office, with Fadnavis jovially correcting Chavan before joining in the amusement. Apologizing for his error, Chavan attributed it to his recent transition from the Congress to the BJP after 38 years of association with the former party. He emphasized that this press conference marked the beginning of a new chapter in his political journey and requested understanding from the audience.
Assuring his commitment to the BJP's success in his constituency, whether in Lok Sabha elections or state polls, Chavan expressed gratitude towards Fadnavis for his ongoing support for regional development initiatives. Reflecting on Maharashtra's political ethos, Chavan stressed the importance of collaboration for the state's progress, emphasizing that political rivalry should not overshadow the collective goal of development. Responding to inquiries about his departure from the Congress, Chavan clarified that it was a personal decision motivated by his belief in inclusive growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Response to Queries about Contact with Gandhi
When questioned about any communication from senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Chavan chose not to comment. He also clarified that he did not actively solicit Congress members or supporters to join him during his transition to the BJP. Earlier in the day, Chavan had announced his decision to join the BJP, signalling a new phase in his political career.
Reactions to Chavan's Resignation
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam attributed Chavan's departure to dissatisfaction with the leadership style of a specific individual within the party. Nirupam indicated that Chavan had raised concerns about this issue with the party's top brass on multiple occasions, suggesting that greater attention to his grievances could have averted his exit. Reacting to Chavan's resignation, newly affiliated NCP member Baba Siddique predicted further defections from the Congress, citing a sense of disillusionment among members. Siddique's remarks underscored the need for introspection within the Congress party amidst the evolving political landscape.
Chavan's entry into the BJP marks a significant development in Maharashtra's political landscape, underscoring the evolving dynamics within the state's political parties.
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
