Mumbai, Jan 14 (UNI) Former Union Minister Milind Deora, on Sunday resigned from the primary membership of the Congress and joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Deora went to the official residence of the Chief Minister where Shinde welcomed him with a stole, the party flag and flowers amidst thunderous cheers and clapping from his supporters.
Top Sena leaders and former congress activists were present on the occasion..
Deora was accompanied by his wife Pooja.
Deora’s decision marks a significant chapter in his political journey, ending his family’s 55-year relationship with Congress.
“Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of the Congress, ending my family’s 55 year relationship with the party. I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues and karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years,” Deora said in a post on multi-blogging site X (formerly Twitter).
Later while addressing the media, Deora said he and his father the late Murli S. Deora had enjoyed long familial ties with the family of Shinde and the late Balasaheb Thackeray.
The ex-union minister also described as “visionary and successful” Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Modi, and said he would strive to strengthen their hands through Shinde’s leadership.
He slammed Congress saying the party has changed drastically over the past three decades, and now it has no place for talented and capable people.
“The same Congress party which had ushered in economic reforms under the former PM Manmohan Singh is now abusing industrialists, businesspersons and the government doing good work,” said Deora.
The Deora scion said he believed in politics of ‘GAIN’ (growth, aspiration, inclusivity and nationalism), rather than ‘PAIN’ (personal, attacks, injustice and negativity), and lamented how the Congress has always opposed the laudable performance by Modi.
He said it was imperative to take Mumbai and Maharashtra on the fast-track to development through Shinde and Modi, and said he was thankful for the opportunity to work under their leadership for the people of the state.
Before Joining the party Deora went and prayed at the famed Siddhivinayak Temple and offered respects at the memorial of the late Balasaheb Thackeray in Dadar.
