"Ending Family's 55-Year Relationship", Milind Deora Resigns From Congress Days After Praising Rahul Gandhi, Will Join Shinde's Shiv Sena

Senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Milind Deora announced on Sunday (14 January) morning that he has resigned from the party.

He wrote on X, "Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of Congress, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party."

He further thanked all leaders, colleagues and karyakartas (workers) for their "unwavering support over the years." Interestingly, he had praised Rahul Gandhi just a few days ago for Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

According to Indian Express, Deora will join Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena at 2 pm at the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s residence. His supporters and a few corporators will switch parties along with him.

Calling Deora a "dear friend", Rijiju praised him saying "decent, balanced and hardworking person" and wished him best for his future endeavours.

Deora is a former Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai South, where he won in 2004 and 2009 but lost two successive elections to Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant.

Since the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena is now in alliance with the Congress under Maha Vikas Aghadi, Deora would have feared that this seat might go to Shiv Sena (UBT) in seat-sharing talks.

Notably, Mumbai South has been a legacy seat for him as his father Murli Deora represented the constituency four times and worked here for 40 years.