12 February,2024 01:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ashok Chavan/ File Photo
Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan has tendered his resignation from the post of MLA. The senior Congress leader tendered his resignation to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.
The leader has also tendered his resignation from primary membership of the grand-old party. His letter to Congress state unit chief Nana Patole is being circulated widely wherein his letterhead mentions him as former MLA.
Chavan's resignation from the party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and state assembly elections is a big jolt to the party which recently lost two prominent faces from Mumbai--Milind Deora and Baba Siddique--to ruling Mahayuti. According to media reports, the political corridors are abuzz with news that Chavan is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Chavan, who represents the Bhokar constituency, reportedly met Speaker Narwekar and handed in his resignation.
"Several leaders of the Opposition want to join the BJP. Many Congress leaders are in touch with us because they feel suffocated in their party," says Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis told media persons when asked about reports of Ashok Chavan joining the saffron party.
Ashok Chavan, who is the son of former CM Shankarrao Chavan, has a significant hold in the Nanded region and his jumping ship ahead of crucial polls is likely to hurt the grand old party.
