Ashok Chavan joins BJP; Congress swings from 'coward' to 'come back' comment
Congress leader Ashok Chavan on Tuesday joined BJP here in the presence of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
While calling him a «coward», the Congress leadership also requested him to reconsider his decision. Chavan's exit on the eve of the Rajya Sabha polls has forced the leadership to burn the midnight oil to prevent a potential split in the party.
Chavan is likely to be BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate. However, BJP has not revealed its cards yet, with Fadnavis claiming that the decision would be taken by the leadership in New Delhi. «One of the senior most leaders in the state has joined us and because of his entry, our grand alliance has been strengthened,» said Fadnavis at a press conference.
He said, «It is true that some more (Opposition) leaders are in touch with us. Those who are connected on the ground, we will welcome them.»
Chavan said he has joined BJP to push for developmental activity and also because he was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's work.
Congress' Maharashtra incharge Ramesh Chennithala while addressing a press conference called Chavan a coward. But state unit chief Nana Patole, who was seated next to Chennithala, appealed to Chavan to come back to the party. «He has not said what issues he had, if someone is going to quit without fighting...then they are cowards,» said Chennithala. «I appeal to Chavanji, even now nothing has changed, he can reverse his decision and we will welcome him back,» said Patole.
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