Former Union Minister Milind Deora Quits Congress

MUMBAI: Once AICC former chief Rahul Gandhi’s close, senior leader Milind Deora officially announced his resignation from the Congress party today, putting an end to days of speculation regarding his potential move to join the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Milind Deora stated, “I have submitted my resignation from the primary membership of Congress, marking the conclusion of my family’s 55-year association with the party.” He expressed gratitude to all leaders, colleagues, and party workers for their steadfast support throughout the years.

Today signifies the culmination of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have officially resigned from the primary membership of @INCIndia, thereby concluding my family’s 55-year affiliation with the party.

Milind Deora, the son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, had previously secured victories in the Mumbai South seat during the 2004 and 2009 elections, he served as union minister as well. However, he faced defeat as the first runner-up in the subsequent elections of 2014 and 2019 against Shiv Sena (undivided) leader Arvind Sawant.

His dissatisfaction with the Uddhav Thackeray faction’s success in the Mumbai South seat had been evident in recent statements. The Uddhav Thackeray-led group, Shiv Sena (UBT), is currently a part of the opposition alliance.