In a significant political development, Milind Deora, former Union minister and Congress member, has announced his resignation from the Congress party and is poised to join the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The decision was revealed through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where Milind Deora, the ex-South Mumbai Lok Sabha MP, reflected on the conclusion of a crucial chapter in his political journey. Expressing gratitude, he thanked leaders, colleagues, and party workers for their steadfast support during his years with the Congress.
The move follows intense speculation within political circles regarding Milind Deora’s potential shift, particularly amidst rumors that he, the son of Congress stalwart late Murli Deora, would align with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Accompanying Deora in this political transition are 10 former municipal corporations, 25 senior party functionaries, and 20 prominent trader and merchant unions, all set to join the Shiv Sena. Approximately 400 workers, under Deora’s leadership, are expected to make the switch in Varsha on the upcoming Sunday.
Milind Deora‘s Joining Shiv Sena: Full Itinerary for the Day
- 10:30 AM: Departure from residence, Ramalayam, to Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, with MLA Sada Sarvankar in attendance.
- 11:00 AM: Offering prayers at Siddhivinayak Temple.
- Noon: Paying respects at the Balasaheb Thackeray statue at Regal Cinema.
- 12:30 PM: Return to Ramalayam.
- 1:30 PM: Departure for Eknath Shinde’s official residence at Varsha bungalow in Malabar Hill.
- 2:00 PM: Presence at Paksh Pravesh, where Shinde, along with senior ministers and party leaders, will be present.
Despite recently being appointed as the joint treasurer of the All India Congress Committee, Deora has expressed dissatisfaction with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena claiming the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat. This seat was contested in the past by Arvind Sawant, now aligned with the Thackeray faction, who defeated Deora in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Notably, Deora served as the head of the Mumbai Congress.
Congress Responds to Milind Deora’s Resignation
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi influenced the timing of Deora’s departure announcement. Ramesh shared that Deora had contacted him on Friday, expressing concerns about Shiv Sena’s claim to the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat. Despite Ramesh’s offer to discuss the matter with Rahul Gandhi, Deora chose to leave the party. Ramesh labeled the entire episode as a farce, attributing the timing of the announcement to the Prime Minister.
In a post on X, Ramesh fondly recalled his long association with seven-time Congress MP Murli Deora, emphasizing the political legacy that now takes a new turn with Milind Deora’s departure and imminent entry into the Shiv Sena.
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