New Delhi

In what can be called as a big blow to Indian National Congress in the Indian state of Maharashtra, former chief minister and key party leader Ashok Chavan joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just an hour after making a public announcement about it.

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"Today around 12-12:30, I am going to start a new journey of my political career, I am going to join BJP," Chavan told reporters.

Chavan made the decision public just a day after he left the Congress party.

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Ashok Chavan's exit from the Congress was expected for some time. Sanjay Nirupam, a Congress leader from Mumbai, claimed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Chavan was not happy about the way a particular Congress leader in the state functioned. Nirupam said that in spite of telling the party high command on the national level, the issue was not solved.

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Media reports have predicted now that Chavan would contest Rajya Sabha elections from Maharashtra. The last date to file nomination papers for Rajya Sabha elections is February 15. The elections are due on February 27.

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“I have joined the BJP with the wish to contribute to the development work of the central government led by Narendra Modi. It's an unconditional move without asking for any post. It's a new innings for me after serving in politics for a long 38 years,” said Chavan during a ceremony held at Mumbai BJP office. 

Chavan is known to be a mass leader with good on-ground network and a grassroot connect. He is also known as an able administrator. 

(With inputs from agencies)