Ashok Chavan's Departure: Impact on Congress in Maharashtra

Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan's departure from the Congress is a significant setback for the party's prospects in Maharashtra, particularly in the Marathwada region. Chavan, who holds considerable influence in Nanded and parts of Marathwada, has a strong mass base and organizational skills, with about half of the Congress's current MLAs on good terms with him. His exit is expected to impact the party's performance in both Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Chavan's decision to leave the party comes amid dissatisfaction with the state Congress chief and pressure from central agencies, with speculation that he may be given a Rajya Sabha nomination by the BJP.