The Congress in Maharashtra is set to lose one of its most influential leaders. According to sources in the party, Ashok Chavan may soon join the BJP, as he has recently received a notice from the Enforcement Directorate. Chavan has served as a chief minister in the state for two years, from 2008 to 2010. and served as a cabinet minister in the defunct Maharashtra VikasAgadhi (MVA).
A source privy to the developments in the party said, “There are four Congress legislators, including Chavan, who have received notice from ED.” Congress has 44 lawmakers in the state out of 288. Moreover, there is speculation in the party that the other three may also jump ship soon.
Earlier, supporters of Chavan had called a meeting inviting party functionaries of his constituency, in which he had discussed the issue of joining the BJP with the members, a Congress functionary said, who was present in the meeting. The result of the meeting was positive and in favour of joining the Saffron Party, as indicated by the party functionary.
The party leaders believe that his exit could have a determining impact on two LokSabha constituencies of Nanded and Hingoli, both from central Maharashtra or Marathwada, as he has a tectonic influence in the region.