Ashok Chavan set to join BJP, day after quitting Congress

New Delhi : Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan is likely to join Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday in Mumbai. He had tendered resignation from Congress on Monday which is considered as a big blow to the party ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

On Monday, Ashok Chavan did not speak about his future plans but mentioned that he will announce his upcoming move in next 48 hours. Speculations are that he will be joining BJP, but no official confirmation has come on this.

Meanwhile, this is nothing but a major blow for Maharashtra Congress where big tickets are making exits.

Rajya Sabha seat for Ashok Chavan?

After Ashok Chavan's resignation, it is also being speculated that he might be offered a Rajya Sabha seat from the BJP. Uddhav Thackeray said it would be disrespectful to martyred soldiers if Chavan is sent to the Rajya Sabha. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier gone to Nanded (Chavan's home district) and spoken about corruption committed by Ashok Chavan. They had said Chavan disrespected families of the martyred soldiers...But if the prime minister sends him (Chavan) to Rajya Sabha, it will amount to disrespecting our soldiers," Uddhav said.

"I have resigned from the Assembly membership as an MLA. I have given my resignation to the Speaker. I have resigned from the Congress Working Committee and the Congress primary membership. I have not decided to join any party. I will clear my stand on joining a party after two days," Chavan told reporters after resigning from Congress.