Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan Joins BJP

Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mumbai, just a day after resigning from the Congress. Chavan's move marks the third significant departure from the Congress in Maharashtra, following former South Mumbai MP Milind Deora and former MLA Baba Siddique.

Earlier today, former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan announced his decision to join the BJP, expressing optimism for a new chapter in his political journey. He stated, "Today marks the beginning of a new phase in my political career. I am formally affiliating with the BJP at their office...I am hopeful that together, we will work towards the constructive development of Maharashtra."

There are strong indications that Ashok Chavan may be offered a Rajya Sabha seat by the BJP. Reports suggest that the BJP will release its list of Rajya Sabha members either later today or tomorrow morning. Sources reveal that a meeting to discuss the allocation of Rajya Sabha seats will take place at the official residence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today. Among the front-runners for the Rajya Sabha seats are said to be Chhagan Bhujbal, Sameer Bhujbal, and Parth Pawar.

Ashok Chavan's move to join the BJP had been speculated for some time. Following his resignation from the Congress, Chavan had announced that he would make a decision regarding his political future within 48 hours.

Who is Ashok Chavan?

Ashok Chavan, the son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, wields significant influence in the Nanded district.

Throughout his political career, Ashok Chavan has been actively involved in politics. Starting as a student activist, he climbed the ranks of the Congress to become the head of the Maharashtra Congress and a member of the Congress Working Committee. He has served as an MP from Nanded three times and has been a member of both Houses of the state legislature.

After holding various ministerial positions, he assumed the role of Chief Minister following Vilasrao Deshmukh's resignation in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Despite the Congress retaining him in the top position after the 2009 state elections, Chavan's tenure was cut short due to corruption allegations related to the Adarsh Housing Society scam, leading to his resignation.