Ravi Raja Resigns from Congress, Joins BJP Amidst Turmoil in Maharashtra Politics
In a significant political shift, senior Congress leader Ravi Raja has officially resigned from the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. Raja, a prominent figure in Mumbai politics and a key player in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, expressed his discontent with the Congress party’s internal dynamics, particularly criticizing the ticket allocation process. "Congress is giving tickets to people lobbying in Delhi," he stated, highlighting his frustration after being snubbed for a poll ticket.
Raja’s departure comes at a time when the political landscape in Maharashtra is increasingly tumultuous. With assembly elections on the horizon, the state is witnessing a surge of rebel candidates from both the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi alliances. Reports suggest that over 100-150 rebels and independent candidates are poised to disrupt the electoral process, potentially acting as ‘vote-cutters’ that could significantly impact the outcome of the elections.
Meanwhile, the nomination process for the second phase of the Jharkhand assembly polls concluded on Tuesday, with a total of 634 candidates filing their papers. This adds another layer of complexity to the political climate as parties scramble to solidify their positions ahead of the elections.
In response to Raja’s move, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed him to the BJP, stating, "He is one of the strongest leaders, and we believe that his joining will strengthen us." Fadnavis also hinted at the possibility of more Congress leaders following suit, saying, "Several Congress leaders are coming in our contact and they wish to join BJP."
As the political drama unfolds, Fadnavis reiterated the BJP’s firm stance on issues concerning the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik, emphasizing that there would be no favors extended to him. He also addressed the challenges posed by rebel candidates, assuring that the alliance is working to resolve cross-nomination issues and is hopeful for a unified front as the campaign gears up post-Diwali.
With the stakes high and the political atmosphere charged, all eyes are on Maharashtra as the BJP and its allies prepare for a fierce electoral battle. Stay tuned to DH for the latest updates on the elections and the shifting political tides in the state.
