Ravi Raja Joins BJP: Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad Reacts

In Mumbai, just before the upcoming assembly elections, former Congress leader Ravi Raja switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad expressed her disappointment, noting that the party had supported Raja and he should have remained loyal. Gaikwad mentioned that Raja was promised a role if Congress came to power. Despite his departure, she wished him happiness.

Gaikwad revealed that Raja had attended a party meeting two days earlier, where he affirmed his commitment to Congress. She stated, "We had a discussion with him two days ago; he even came to meet us with several leaders present. He promised he was with us and that he was a Congressman. But suddenly, yesterday, he made a different decision."

Ravi Raja, now the vice president of BJP Mumbai, criticized Congress's ticket distribution process. He claimed that despite his 25 years of service in the Sion Koliwada constituency, a new candidate received the ticket. Raja said, "I have contested from the Sion Koliwada constituency five times, while the adjacent ward is Dharavi. Now, after 25 years, I didn't receive a ticket, but someone who joined just four months ago did."

Raja submitted his resignation, stating, "Since 1980, as a Youth Congress member, I have served the party with utmost sincerity and dedication. Today, I am led to believe that my 44 years of service to the Congress party are not valued, prompting my decision to resign from my party post."

The Assembly elections for Maharashtra's 288 seats will be held on November 20, with vote counting on November 23.