Maharashtra: New journey in political life, says Ashok Chavan after joining BJP

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Tuesday said that he was starting his new journey in political life after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP the PTI reportedAshok Chavan made his political move by joining the ruling BJP in Mumbai just a day after parting ways with the Congress65yearold Ashok Chavan was warmly welcomed into the BJP fold at the partys Mumbai office in the presence of key figures including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra FadnavisRegarding his new phase in his political career Ashok Chavan who spent nearly four decades in Congress said today signifies the commencement of his fresh political journeySon of the former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Union Home Minister S B Chavan his choice to align with the BJP emerges amidst speculation that he might be given the Rajya Sabha nominationWhen asked about any communication from senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi Ashok Chavan chose to evade a direct responseAccording to the PTI while addressing concerns raised by Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut regarding the Adarsh scam Chavan defended himself stating The Bombay High Courts decision favoured me I view it as a political mishap Although certain agencies have contested the courts ruling I have endured enough and consider it a nonissue nowFormer Chief Minister and Shiv Sena UBT president Uddhav Thackeray has also raked up the Adarsh housing scam to target Ashok Chavan and said that on Monday that if the BJP sends him to the Rajya Sabha it will amount to disrespecting martyred soldiers as per the PTIUddhav Thackeray on Tuesday again took a jibe at Ashok Chavan and said that instead of going to the BJP he should have gone and met farmers in Marathwada who have been affected by the unseasonal rainfall and hailstormAddressing a public rally in Sonai in Ahmednagar district Uddhav Thackeray took a potshot at Ashok Chavan and said that the Adarsh scam was forgotten but Chavans move has brought it back into limelightHis involvement in the Adarsh Housing Society scandal where a highrise structure was allegedly erected on disputed land without due approvals has been a contentious period in his political narrativeDespite speculations linking the scandal to his exit from the Congress Ashok Chavan maintains that his decision was selfdirected and not influenced by past controversiesHe said he had made a new beginning of his life In the last 38 years of my political life starting a new journey I would like to do some good work and go ahead with progressive thoughts Politics is a way of service to society Some people have criticised my decision I will not make any personal remarks against anyone he said the news agency reportedHe emphasised his commitment to a proactive and constructive approach towards development referencing past collaborations with Devendra Fadnavis during their respective tenures juxtaposed as Chief Minister and opposition leaderHe pledged to bolster BJPs presence in Maharashtra citing his dedication to enhancing the partys electoral prospectsReflecting on his decision to switch allegiances Chavan highlighted his alignment with the inclusive ethos of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas propagated by PM Modi and affirmed his intent to abide by the partys directives and contribute positively to the national growth trajectoryWhen asked about whether more people from the Congress could join the BJP he said I have not made any calls to other Congress leaders BJP leaders like Devendra Fadnavis will take that decision I have only joined the party today the PTI reportedQueried about him attending a party meeting on Sunday and announcing his resignation the next day Ashok Chavan said I was thinking about it for a long time I wanted to be a part of nationbuilding It was not an easy decision I had to think a lot about it The decision is taken in the interest of Maharashtra my own district and the nation If some good things are taking place I should be a part of itIt is true that Congress did a lot of things for me and gave me several opportunities but nobody can deny that I have also done a lot for the party It is unfair to be critical of me he saidOn the farmers Delhi Chalo march Ashok Chavan said it was true that the cultivators were facing some issuesBut their issues will be addressed for sure The government wants to stop farmers suicides The prime minister is capable and he can make other leaders like the agriculture minister to find solutions he saidDevendra Fadnavis commended Ashok Chavans entry into the BJP recognising his extensive political experience and anticipated contribution towards fortifying the ruling coalitionWelcoming him Devendra Fadnavis said Many leaders in the country have arrived to an opinion of joining the BJP as the country is progressing under the leadership of the Prime Minister He Chavan told us that he is not keen on any post in the party I want to contribute to the growth of the countryAshok Chavan was a chief minister of Maharashtra twice and his role in the BJP will be decided after discussing it with the central leaders he saidAshok Chavans stature is of national level and hence decisions regarding his new responsibilities will be finalised after discussions with the central leadership he said as per the PTII want to charge the Congress that they cannot keep their leaders with them The internal environment in the Congress is chaotic Some of them start opposing the national issues while criticising the BJP They need to do some introspection Devendra Fadnavis said according to the PTIAshok Chavans move follows the recent departures of senior Maharashtra Congress figures Baba Siddique and Milind Deora signaling a shift in the states political landscapeThe Sharad Pawarled Nationalist Congress Party NCP said that Ashok Chavans move to the BJP was expected but expressed disappointment that leaders capable of challenging the BJP are yielding to its influenceParty spokesperson Clyde Crasto suggested that Ashok Chavans decision is another instance of the BJP leveraging pressure on individuals facing legal issues to secure their allegiancewith PTI inputs