FORMER Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Tuesday made his political move by joining the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mumbai, just a day after parting ways with the Congress. The 65-year-old Chavan was warmly welcomed into the BJP fold at the party’s Mumbai office in the presence of key figures, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Regarding his new phase in his political career, Chavan, who spent nearly four decadesin Congress, said today signifies the commencement of hisfresh political journey. Son of the formerMaharashtra Chief Ministerand Union Home Minister S BChavan, his choice to align withthe BJP emerges amidst speculation that he might be giventhe Rajya Sabha nomination. When asked about any communication from seniorCongress leaders SoniaGandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Chavan chose to evade adirect response. Addressing concerns raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding the Adarsh scam, Chavan defended himself, stating, “The Bombay High Court’s decision favouredme. I viewit as a political mishap.

 

Although certain agencies have contested the court’s ruling, I have endured enough and consider it a non-issue now.” FormerChiefMinister and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray has also raked up the Adarsh housing scam to target Chavan and said on Monday that if the BJP sends him to the Rajya Sabha, it will amountto disrespecting martyred soldiers. ThackerayonTuesday again took a jibe at Chavan and said that instead of going to the BJP,heshouldhavegone and met farmers in Marathwada, who have been affected by the unseasonal rainfall and hailstorm. Despite speculations linking the scandal to his exit from the Congress,Chavanmaintains that his decision was self-directed and not influenced by past controversies.

 

He said he had made a new beginning of his life. “In the last 38 years ofmypoliticallife, starting a new journey. I would like to do some goodworkandgoahead 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.