Milind Deora officially announced his resignation from the Congress party on Saturday, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in his political journey. The news was conveyed through a statement on X, where he mentioned that he has tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the Congress, thereby concluding his family's 55-year association with the party. Deora expressed gratitude to all leaders, colleagues, and party workers for their unwavering support over the years.
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Deora emphasized that he is walking on the path of development. Later in the day, he visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai to offer prayers.
Contrary to earlier speculation about him joining the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deora dismissed these rumors on Saturday. He clarified that he was in discussions with his supporters but hadn't made a decision yet. He also addressed reports suggesting his shift to Shiv Sena as mere rumors.
Deora had recently expressed dissatisfaction with the Shiv Sena staking a claim to the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency, previously represented by him before 2014. In response to the Shiv Sena's assertion to contest the Mumbai South constituency in the upcoming general elections, Deora, in a video statement issued last Sunday, warned that if such statements by an alliance partner continued, the Congress might also announce candidates for seats. The Shiv Sena is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with the Congress and the NCP. Deora won the Mumbai South seat in 2004 and 2009, finishing as the first runner-up in the subsequent elections in 2014 and 2019.
