Former Union Minister Milind Deora has resigned from the Congress party and joined the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Deora announced his resignation from the primary membership of Congress, marking the end of his family’s 55-year relationship with the party. He expressed gratitude to all leaders, colleagues, and party workers for their unwavering support over the years.
Speaking to reporters at his Mumbai home, Milind Deora stated that he left the Congress to pursue the “path of development.” He added that he is going on the path of development as he stepped out with his wife Pooja to visit Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi to offer prayers.
Milind Deora, the son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, had won the Mumbai South seat in 2004 and 2009. However, he became the first runner-up in the subsequent elections in 2014 and 2019 against Shiv Sena (undivided) leader Arvind Sawant.
Expressing his excitement, Milind Deora told reporters after joining the Shiv Sena, “Today is a very exciting day for me. I never thought that I would leave the Congress. But today my family’s 55-year long relationship with Congress has been broken.” He emphasized his progressive and secular politics and expressed his intention to strengthen the hand of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
In response to Milind Deora’s exit, Congress general secretary recalled the fond association with his father, Murli Deora, stating that he had friends in all political parties but always stood by the Congress party. The decision to resign from Congress came after discussions with his supporters.
In a video statement issued earlier, Milind Deora had expressed his displeasure over certain statements made by an “alliance partner” and warned that if such statements don’t stop, his party may announce candidates for seats.
