Maharashtra Politics: With Speculations of More Legislators To Leave Party Following Ashok Chavan, Congress MLAs Clarify

Former Chief Minister and senior Congress MLA Ashok Chavan submitted his resignation from party membership and MLA position on Monday (February 12). Following his resignation, discussions have begun among those resigning alongside him, including Congress MLA Hiraman Khoskar from Igatpuri-Trimbakeshwar. 

However, Khoskar, currently in Kenya for his studies, has not disclosed any details regarding his defection. After his return from abroad on February 15, Khoskar will clarify his role, as per a statement issued by Khoskar through his office.

After Ashok Chavan's resignation, discussions have commenced regarding 11 Congress MLAs joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In this context, the name of Hiraman Khoskar, the lone Congress MLA from Nashik district, has also surfaced. Consequently, there is considerable political upheaval in the district. 

Regarding this matter, Lokmat contacted Vaman Khoskar, son of MLA Khoskar, who stated that his father would clarify his position after returning from abroad. This was conveyed to Lokmat during the contact with Vaman Khoskar. Subsequently, a statement was released through Khoskar's office stating that he has been in Kenya for studies since February 5. Discussions about his defection are ongoing. however, nothing concrete has been decided yet. Khoskar will complete his study tour in Kenya on February 15 and will then clarify his stance.

The release further stated that Khoskar has been in Kenya since February 5 for a study tour arranged by the state government. Discussions regarding his defection are ongoing, but there is no concrete decision at present. Khoskar will return to Maharashtra after completing his study tour on February 15 and will then clarify his stance.

Among the names that go with Ashok Chavan, the name of a young Congress MLA is in discussion. The youth MLA, whose name is currently in discussion, has released a video. The young MLA has presented his position in this video. Congress youth leader Vishwajit Kadam, MLA of Palus Kadegaon in Sangli district, has given a detailed reaction to the news of his resignation.

माझ्या आमदारकीच्या राजीनाम्यासंदर्भातील वृत्त गैरसमज पसरवणारे...@INCIndia@INCMaharashtrapic.twitter.com/JYiokt2P7T

— Dr. Vishwajeet Kadam (@vishwajeetkadam) February 12, 2024

In a video clip shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Vishwajeet Kadam said, "The news about my resignation from MLA is misleading". Further in the video, he said, "Ashok Chavan's resignation pained me, I will not leave Congress party and will not take any decision without taking the people of the constituency into confidence."

Former Mumbai Congress President Bhai Jagtap also took X, in response to the rumours circulating about his departure from the Congress party, vehemently asserted his unwavering commitment to the party. In a statement, he declared that he would never forsake the Congress tricolour, which he has proudly carried since his student days.

भाई जगताप काँग्रेस सोडणार अश्या वावड्या काही नतद्रष्ट पसरवत आहेत...

मी त्यांना सांगू इच्छितो की माझ्या विद्यार्थी दशेपासून खांद्यावर घेतलेला हा काँग्रेस चा तिरंगा मी कधीही खाली ठेवणार नाही..

पद, लालच आणि फायद्याकरिता माझा पिंड बनलेला नाही.. आणि मी कोणाच्या बापाला घाबरतही…

— Bhai Jagtap - भाई जगताप (@BhaiJagtap1) February 12, 2024

He emphasized that his allegiance to the Congress is not driven by aspirations for positions, greed, or personal gain. Additionally, he expressed fearlessness in the face of any opposition. Jagtap acknowledged the challenges the Congress party has faced in the past but remained resolute in his belief that no storm could extinguish its essence. He affirmed his dedication to working tirelessly to restore the party to its former glory.

"Some miscreants are spreading rumours that Bhai Jagtap will quit Congress... I want to tell them that I will never put down the Congress tricolour which I have carried on my shoulder since my student days. I am not made for position, greed and gain.. and I am not afraid of anyone's father...Many storms have come and gone, no one has been able to end Congress and no one will end it...We will work hard for the Congress party to regain its past glory! Everyone can be sure that my last parade will be carried out from the tricolour flag of the Congress party!," Jagtap in a post on X.

Another Congress leader Amin Patel, rumors circulating about his departure from the Congress Party. Patel emphasized that these claims are entirely false and baseless, reaffirming his steadfast commitment to the party.

"My dear supporters and well wishers. There are rumors circulating about my departure from the Congress Party. I want to clarify that these claims are false and baseless. I am firmly committed to the #Congress Party. Thank you for your support today and always!" said the MLA from Mumbai's Mumbadevi constituency.