Milind Deora resigns from Congress, ending family’s 55-year association with the party

Former MLA and Congress leader Milind Deora announced his resignation from the Congress party, revealing the conclusion of his family's 55-year association with the political entity. Deora made the announcement via his official social media account on Sunday, stating that he has stepped down from his primary membership within the party. While speculation suggested a potential move to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-backed Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, Deora has not officially declared his new political affiliation. The decision is reportedly linked to the Shiv Sena (UBT) claim over South Mumbai's Mumbadevi seat, which Deora had previously won twice before 2014.

Milind Deora's resignation is seen as a response to the Shiv Sena's claim over the Mumbadevi seat, previously held by Congress and later won by Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant in 2014 and 2019. Despite Deora's victories in 2004 and 2009, the seat-sharing talks within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Shiv Sena (UBT), created tensions. Deora expressed dissatisfaction with the claims and engaged in discussions with his followers before officially resigning from the Congress party. The leader's departure marks a significant development in Mumbai's political landscape, with rumors circulating about a potential shift to the BJP.

Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party.

I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their…

— Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) January 14, 2024