Gujarat : Veteran Congress Leader CJ Chavda’s resignation likely to spark Mass Exodus to BJP

Gandhinagar : In a seismic development for the Congress party in Gujarat, the resignation of veteran leader CJ Chavda has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, fueling speculation of a broader exodus from the party. Chavda, a seasoned politician and Vijapur lawmaker, tendered his resignation from the state legislative assembly and all Gujarat Congress posts on Friday, signaling a potential shift in political allegiance that could impact the party ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

CJ Chavda’s departure from the Congress, a party he had served for years, underscores a growing dissatisfaction among senior leaders. Chavda, a former Deputy Collector and a prominent opposition figure in Gujarat politics, has a storied political career marked by victories and defeats, including notable wins in the 2017 and 2022 assembly elections.

The catalyst for Chavda’s resignation appears to be his disillusionment with the Congress party’s stance on national issues, particularly its resistance to key initiatives like the opening of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir and the government’s meritorious measures, including surgical strikes. In a press conference following his resignation, Chavda expressed disappointment, stating, “Given the Congress’s stance, I felt compelled to offer my resignation today.”

The political fallout from Chavda’s departure is significant, with speculations rife that he might join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rumors swirl around the possibility of his candidacy in the impending Lok Sabha elections, though Chavda remains noncommittal, emphasizing that his political future will be determined after consulting with voters and supporters in his Vijapur constituency.

Chavda’s exit leaves the Congress in Gujarat with 15 members in the 182-member house, prompting a by-election for the Vijapur assembly seat. This development follows a series of resignations from Congress members, including Chirag Patel and AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani, both expected to join the BJP. The political landscape in Gujarat is undergoing a notable transformation, setting the stage for a dynamic and closely watched electoral landscape in the months to come.