Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan Likely To Join BJP Today, Third Leader To Exit Congress Within A Month

A day after quitting the Congress, former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (13 February).

Chavan's exit from the Congress adds to the recent trend of high-profile leaders exiting the party in Maharashtra ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with Milind Deora and Baba Siddique preceding him within the last month.

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Milind Deora joined Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena, a BJP ally in Maharashtra, while Siddique joined Ajit Pawar led NCP, another BJP ally.

Earlier on Monday (12 February), after resigning from the Congress, Chavan said that he would announce his next step within 48 hours. 

According to news agency ANI, Chavan's office said that the former Maharashtra CM is likely to join the BJP today.

"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 had told reporters after resigning from the party.

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