Shiv Sena MLC resigns; to join Congress

Mumbai, May 30 (UNI) Shiv Sena suffered yet another jolt today when its MLC Kanhaiyalal Gidwani quit the party as well as the membership of the Legislative Council.

Mr Gidwani handed over his letter of resignation from the membership of the Upper house to Chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh. He also faxed his resignation from the membership of the Shiv Sena to ''Matoshree'', the residence of party Chief Bal Thackeray.

Mr Gidwani is scheduled to join the Congress party.

An ex-congressman, Mr Gidwani was also the member of the Janata Dal as well as the Samajwadi Janata Party in the state. He hails from Sangli district.

His term in the Legislative council expires on July 27 and he has not been renominated. Elections to fill in vacancies in the Upper house will be held on June one.

Prior to Mr Gidwani, Mr Narayan Rane and four Shiv Sena MLAs have joined the congress and have got re-elected on Congress ticket in the recent by-elections.

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