Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan Resigns from Congress

Mumbai: In a major blow to the Congress party, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan resigned from the party today, just months before crucial Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. The move is seen as a potential precursor to Chavan joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Chavan submitted his resignation letter to Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole earlier today. This follows a meeting with Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, details of which remain undisclosed. He has not yet responded to media inquiries.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while not confirming Chavan's BJP entry, acknowledged interest from opposition leaders, stating many feel "suffocated" in their current parties. Sources predict three other Congress MLAs might follow suit.

Chavan's departure follows similar exits by senior Congressmen Milind Deora and Baba Siddiqui, who joined Shiv Sena and NCP respectively. This string of resignations raises concerns about the party's stability ahead of key elections.