Bombshell in Mumbai: Milind Deora ditches Congress for rival Shiv Sena

In a move that has sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, former Union Minister Milind Deora announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year familial legacy with the party. This seismic shift in Indian politics is set to culminate in Deora joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena later today, marking a dramatic turn in his political journey and altering the dynamics of Mumbai‘s political scene.

Milind Deora’s Stunning Exit from Congress

Deora, a seasoned politician and the son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, has been a prominent figure in Mumbai’s political sphere. His resignation, revealed in a post on X (formerly Twitter), signifies the end of an era for the Deora family in Congress, a tenure that spanned over five decades. “I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of Congress, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party,” he stated, expressing gratitude towards his colleagues and supporters.

Milind Deora Shakes Up Indian Politics with Congress Exit, Joins Shiv Sena. Photo courtesy of Greatkanishka/Wikimedia Commons.

Deora’s Political Legacy and the Shift to Shiv Sena

Milind Deora’s political journey has been noteworthy. Having won the Mumbai South seat in 2004 and 2009, he was the first runner-up in the 2014 and 2019 elections against Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant. His decision to join the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, represents a significant realignment in his political career and raises questions about the future of Congress in Mumbai.

Congress Reacts to Deora’s Departure

Congress, reeling from Deora’s departure, alleged that the timing of this announcement was manipulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for headline management, coinciding with the start of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, while recalling his association with Murli Deora, accused Milind Deora of playing a political game and dismissed the impact of his exit on the party. “One Milind Deora goes away, lakhs of Milinds who believe in our organisation and ideology stay,” Ramesh asserted, emphasizing the party’s resilience.

Implications of Deora’s Shift to Shiv Sena

Deora’s shift to Shiv Sena, particularly amidst his disapproval of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) laying claim to the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat, indicates a potential shift in the political equilibrium of Mumbai. This move could have far-reaching implications for both Congress and Shiv Sena, reshaping the political narrative in one of India’s most significant urban centers.