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The political landscape of Maharashtra witnessed a significant shift as veteran Congress leader Ravi Raja joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, just weeks ahead of the state assembly elections. This move marked the end of his 44-year-long association with the Congress party, a decision he attributed to a lack of respect for his contributions. In a press conference following his switch, Raja went on to refer to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as the next CM of the state, prompting a light-hearted response from Fadnavis, who jokingly suggested 'censoring' the remark.
Raja's decision to join the BJP was not without its drama. His resignation letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted a feeling of being undervalued, stating, 'Since 1980 as a Youth Congress Member, I have served the party with utmost sincerity and dedication and today I am made to believe that my 44 years of service for the Congress party is not respected and hence I take this decision of resigning from my party post.' This move was seen by many as a strategic political maneuver, with the upcoming elections looming large. Following his entry into the BJP, Raja was immediately appointed as the vice president of the party's Mumbai unit.
The BJP welcomed Raja with open arms, with Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar emphasizing his vast knowledge and experience in Mumbai's political landscape. Shelar stated, 'Raja is like an encyclopedia for issues in Mumbai. He is an old friend of ours. Raja and his supporters' decision to join the BJP would strengthen the party's prospects ahead of Maharashtra assembly polls.' This move is expected to bolster the BJP's campaign in Mumbai and potentially impact the overall election results. As the state gears up for the single-phase assembly elections on November 20th, the political atmosphere is set to intensify, with this latest development adding another layer of intrigue to the already charged contest.
Source: Fadnavis’s Reaction After Ravi Raja Calls Him 'Next CM' Of Maharashtra - News18