Ashok Chavan's departure from the Congress on Monday adds to the recent exodus of senior party members, including Baba Siddique and Milind Deora, marking a significant setback for the opposition coalition INDIA bloc as the Lok Sabha elections loom ahead.
Reflecting on Chavan's decision, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh expressed a sense of disappointment, suggesting that those who depart fail to grasp the potential opportunities they leave behind for others whose growth may have been hindered.
Chavan's resignation, conveyed in a succinct one-line letter to Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Nana Patole, underscores the ongoing turbulence within the party. His exit has prompted speculation regarding potential alliances, with sources suggesting that the BJP may extend an offer of a Rajya Sabha seat to Chavan.
Furthermore, reports indicate that a contingent of 10 to 12 MLAs are also considering switching sides in the foreseeable future, adding to the political upheaval in Maharashtra.