Published on: January 14, 2024 : Milind Deora, former Union minister and ex-Congress member, is set to join the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The announcement was made by Deora himself on the social media platform X, marking the conclusion of a crucial chapter in his political journey.
Deora expressed gratitude to his colleagues and supporters for their unwavering support during his 55-year association with the Congress. The move comes amid widespread speculation in political circles about Deora aligning with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, following his resignation from the Congress.
Alongside Deora, 10 former municipal corporations, 25 senior party functionaries, and 20 top trader and merchant unions are also expected to join the Shiv Sena. Approximately 400 workers, led by Deora, will formally join the party during a gathering at Varsha on Sunday.
Important Details: Milind Deora’s Shiv Sena Joining Itinerary
- 10:30 AM: Departure from residence, Ramalayam, to Siddhivinayak Temple. MLA Sada Sarvankar will be present.
- 11:00 AM: Prayers at Siddhivinayak Temple.
- Noon: Paying respects at Balasaheb Thackeray statue, Regal Cinema.
- 12:30 PM: Arrival at Ramalayam.
- 1:30 PM: Departure for Eknath Shinde’s official residence, Varsha bungalow in Malabar Hill.
- 2:00 PM: Paksh Pravesh ceremony with Shinde, senior ministers, and party leaders.
Milind Deora, recently appointed the joint treasurer of the All India Congress Committee, had expressed dissatisfaction with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena claiming the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat. The seat was contested by Arvind Sawant, now with the Thackeray faction, who defeated Deora in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Deora had also served as the head of the Mumbai Congress.
In response to Deora’s resignation, the Congress alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi influenced the timing of the announcement. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed that Deora had communicated his concerns about the Shiv Sena laying claim to the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat and wanted to discuss it with Rahul Gandhi.
Ramesh stated, “The timing of the announcement of his departure was determined by the PM,” emphasizing that the switch had been planned in advance, contrary to Deora’s discussions with Congress leaders.
Note: This article is based on information available as of January 14, 2024.
