Milind Deora Joins Eknath Shinde-Led Shiv Sena

After quitting Congress, former Union Minister Milind Deora on Sunday joined Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He was welcomed to the party by Maharashtra Chief Minister Shide with a flag and bouquet.

"This is a very emotional day for me. I had never thought that I would quit Congress. Today, I joined Shiv Sena," Milind Deora said.

Earlier today, Milind Deora ended his family's 55-year-old relationship with Congress after he announced to part ways through a post on micro-blogging site X, formerly known as Twitter.

"I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of Congress, ending my family's 55-year relationship with the party," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," Milind said.

After joining Shiv Sena, Milind Deora says, "I have been receiving a lot of phone calls since morning that why did I sever 55-year-old ties of my family with Congress party...I was loyal to the party during its most challenging decade. Unfortunately, today's Congress is very different from the Congress of 1968 as well as that of 2004. Had Congress and UBT given importance to constructive & positive suggestions and merit & capability, Eknath Shinde and I wouldn't have been here. Eknath Shinde had to make a major decision, I had to make a major decision..."

Addressing the press and party workers from Shiv Sena's podium, Milind Deora said, "The same party that used to offer constructive suggestions to this country, on how to take the country forward, has now just one goal - speak against whatever PM Modi says and does. Tomorrow, if he says that Congress is a very good party, they will oppose it. I believe in the politics of GAIN - Growth, Aspiration, Inclusivity and Nationalism. I don't believe in the politics of PAIN - Personal Attacks, Injustice and Negativity."