Ex-MLA Ravindra Dhangekar to quit Congress, hints at Shiv Sena switch
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Former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar.
Pune: Former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar announced on Monday that he would be resigning from the party and hinted at joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Speculation about his political switch had been circulating for months, especially after his 2023 bypoll victory from the Kasba assembly seat in Maharashtra’s Pune district.
Dhangekar, who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Pune on a Congress ticket, lost to BJP’s Murlidhar Mohol. He also faced defeat in the 2024 state assembly elections from Kasba, where BJP’s Hemant Rasne secured victory. Notably, in the 2023 bypoll, Dhangekar had defeated Rasne in the same constituency.
Speaking to reporters, Dhangekar expressed his reluctance to part ways with the Congress but emphasized that the sentiments of his supporters and voters played a crucial role in his decision. He stated that ensuring developmental works in the Kasba constituency was a key factor in his move.
Dhangekar revealed that he recently met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena cabinet minister Uday Samant, who invited him to work with them. Following discussions with his supporters, he indicated a strong inclination toward joining Shinde’s camp, describing him as a leader representing the common man. He confirmed that he would be meeting Shinde on Monday evening, after which a final decision would be made.
With PTI inputs