Chandrapur/Nagpur: In a significant political shift, Independent MLA Kishor Jorgewar is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday. His formal induction will take place at a public event in Chandrapur, with cabinet minister Sudhir Mungantiwar overseeing the proceedings, despite their previous rivalry. This development comes after intense negotiations and a backdrop of political maneuvering involving various parties in Maharashtra.
Jorgewar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contest elections as a BJP candidate, stating, “I am looking forward to working with the party to serve the people of my constituency.” His decision follows a turbulent few days in Mumbai and Delhi, where internal party dynamics and local sentiments were heavily discussed.
Initially, Mungantiwar had reservations about Jorgewar’s entry into the party, but he has since pivoted to support this decision for the greater good of the BJP. He remarked, “I will be present for the event to mark Jorgewar’s entry into the party,” indicating a consensus among party leaders. Both Devendra Fadnavis and Chandrashekhar Bawankule have reportedly supported this move, with Mungantiwar personally addressing concerns raised by local leaders against Jorgewar’s candidacy.
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This shift comes amidst a broader context of political rivalry, particularly between the Congress party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Congress’s reluctance to cede the Chandrapur assembly constituency complicated Jorgewar’s previous intentions to join the NCP, prompting speculation about his alignment with the BJP instead. Despite initial opposition from local BJP officials regarding Jorgewar’s candidacy, discussions led to a reconciliatory stance, emphasizing party unity over individual preferences.
In response to Jorgewar’s new affiliation, Mungantiwar’s confidante, Devrao Bhongle, has reportedly been offered a party ticket from the Rajura constituency, aimed at appeasing dissent within the ranks. This decision is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the BJP’s position in the upcoming elections, given Jorgewar’s previous success in the 2019 elections, where he won by a significant margin.
As Jorgewar prepares to officially join the BJP, the implications of his alignment with one of India’s leading political parties are set to reverberate across the political landscape of Maharashtra. The party hopes to leverage his influence and popularity to strengthen its foothold in the region.
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