‘A difficult decision’: Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan joins BJP

“It was a difficult decision for me. My association with the Congress was long. After 38 years of my political career, switching from Congress to BJP was not easy. After a lot of deliberations, I took the decision keeping the interests of my district Nanded, Maharashtra state and nation in mind,” Chavan said, speaking at the BJP headquarters a day after he quit the Congress.

“I look forward to a new beginning with a positive outlook under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party president J P Nadda,” Chavan added.

“While I am obliged to the Congress for everything they offered me, I also would like to state I have also contributed to the organisation. The decision to switch from Congress to BJP was my personal decision, which I took keeping the developmental agenda and welfare of state and country in mind,” Chavan said on allegations that he had betrayed the Congress.

Chavan, who faces cases linked to the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society scam dating back to 2011 and had to resign as chief minister after his name cropped up in the case, said it was “a political accident”. “The high court verdict on this issue has been in our favour. Some agencies have gone on appeal. Whatever the legal process, it will be followed. It was a political accident. I have faced enough of this issue. I do not think it is a matter of concern now,” Chavan said in response to a question on the Adarsh scam.

“I have joined the party without any conditions. Whatever the BJP leaders at the Centre and state ask me, I will do,” Chavan said. Former Congress MLA Amarnath Rajurkar also joined the BJP along with Chavan.

“Ashok Chavan is a very seasoned, senior and experienced leader. He has played an important role as a Lok Sabha MP in the Centre and as MLA in the state Legislative Assembly. He was twice the chief minister of Maharashtra,” Fadnavis said.

“Chavan is a national stature leader and he will be accorded that which befits his stature. The central leadership of BJP will decide,” Fadnavis added when asked if Chavan would be the BJP’s Rajya Sabha nominee from the state.

With Chavan joining the BJP, the party will become stronger in Maharashtra, especially the Marathwada region, Fadnavis said. “Chavan’s vast experience will help in politics and administration in Maharashtra,” he added.

Fadnavis also said that there are many political leaders and party workers from other parties who are in touch with the BJP and the party would welcome all grassroots leaders who accept PM Modi’s leadership and work towards nation-building.

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