Big Jolt to Congress In Pune: District President Sanjay Jagtap Resigns, To Join BJP On July 16
Pune: In yet another setback for the Congress, Pune District Rural Congress Committee President and former Purandar-Haveli MLA Sanjay Jagtap has resigned from his post as well as from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress. In his resignation letter, Jagtap cited personal reasons for his decision. However, sources have confirmed that he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on July 16.
Ahead of the upcoming municipal and local body elections, political shifts have gained momentum, with many leaders vying to enter the ruling party. Jagtap submitted his resignation via email to Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal and also handed over a copy to Pune District Congress Committee Working President Sangram Mohol.
Before officially joining the BJP, Jagtap has scheduled a meeting with his supporters and party workers in Saswad on Monday. His entry into the BJP is expected to alter the political equations in the Purandar constituency. It will also be significant to see how ally parties within the Mahayuti respond to this development.
Political insiders say Jagtap faced pressure from his supporters to switch parties. In the recent assembly elections, he suffered defeat amid internal factionalism and lack of support from the Sangh Parivar, along with a split in votes over Hindutva issues. Former Congress corporators from Saswad and Jejuri had earlier urged him to join the BJP. Despite repeatedly denying such reports, Jagtap’s resignation now signals his imminent induction into the BJP, where he will be welcomed by BJP state president Ravindra Chavan.
