Operation Lotus 3.0? Ex-Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan Resigns, Likely To Join BJP

In a surprising turn of events, senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has resigned from the party. Speculations have arisen after Chavan's meeting with Speaker Rahul Narvekar in Mumbai, fueling rumors of his impending departure from the Congress party.

"I hereby submit my resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress Party with effect from 12/02/2024 noon," Chavan said in a statement.

While the official reason for his resignation remains unclear, reports suggest he is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sparking whispers of "Operation Lotus 3.0".

Meanwhile, several top BJP leaders have also arrived at the saffron party's Mumbai Pradesh Office.

News of Chavan's meeting with Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar triggered immediate speculation about his political future. Many believe his resignation paves the way for a potential switch to the BJP, mirroring the strategies employed in "Operation Lotus" and "Operation Lotus 2.0" which saw the defection of several MLAs and the subsequent collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2022.

Congress in Crisis:

Chavan's resignation comes as a major blow to the Congress party, already reeling from internal conflicts and recent electoral setbacks. His defection, if confirmed, would be a significant loss for the party.

In January 2024, Congress leader Milind Deora tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the Congress party, thereby concluding his family's 55-year affiliation with the party.

With the state assembly elections slated for later this year, Chavan's move sets the stage for a high-stakes political drama in Maharashtra.