Pune: Ex Purandar MLA Sanjay Jagtap To Join BJP, Ending Long Stint With Congress
Pune: Ex Purandar MLA Sanjay Jagtap To Join BJP, Ending Long Stint With Congress
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune, July 15, 2025: In a significant setback for the Congress in Pune district, former legislator and long-time party leader Sanjay Jagtap has announced his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jagtap, who served as the Pune District Congress Committee president for nine years, will formally join the BJP on July 16.
Jagtap, a former MLA from Purandar constituency, cited the BJP’s strong organisational structure and disciplined approach as key reasons for his switch. “I was with the Congress for decades, but the lack of communication and organisational discipline prompted me to take this decision. The BJP’s structure suits my working style. I will now focus on accelerating development in Purandar as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ vision,” Jagtap said.
This marks yet another high-profile defection from the Congress in recent years. Earlier, senior leaders like Sangram Thopte and Harshvardhan Patil had also left the party to join rival camps. The BJP has established a stronghold in Pune city, while the NCP continues to dominate rural areas despite internal splits.
Jagtap, who comes from a politically influential family in Saswad, is closely related to the Kadam family, long-time Congress loyalists. His exit is expected to strengthen the BJP’s prospects in the Purandar assembly segment and could impact the upcoming civic polls significantly.
“The entire Purandar constituency will turn into a BJP bastion, and this will be evident in the forthcoming elections,” Jagtap asserted.
