Veteran Congress Leader Arjun Modhwadia Joins BJP in Gujarat Amidst Party Exodus

In a significant political development in Gujarat, veteran Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia has made the bold decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move comes amidst a wave of exits from the Congress party in the state, with several prominent leaders switching sides.

Yesterday, Arjun Modhwadia submitted his resignation to Shankar Chaudhary, the Gujarat Assembly Speaker, in Gandhinagar, marking a turning point in the political landscape of the state. His departure has reduced the opposition strength in the 182-member Assembly by 14 seats.

Arjun Modhwadia, a senior leader from Porbandar, emerged victorious in the 2022 Assembly elections, defeating BJP stalwart Babu Bokhiria in a closely contested battle. His decision to resign from the Congress just days before Rahul Gandhi‘s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Gujarat has sent shockwaves through the political circles.

Expressing his strong sentiments post-resignation, Arjun Modhwadia lambasted the Congress party for its disconnect with the people. He highlighted his decades-long association with the Congress, starting from grassroots politics to becoming a key opposition leader in the Assembly. Despite his efforts to strengthen the party, he felt disillusioned over the party’s failure to resonate with the public.

Reflecting on his vision of bringing about economic and social change through the Congress, Arjun Modhwadia lamented Mahatma Gandhi‘s words about achieving political independence in 1947 but the ongoing need for economic and social liberation. He cited instances where he tried to draw the party’s attention to the sentiments of the people but faced disappointments, leading to his resignation from all party positions.

With Arjun Modhwadia’s entry into the BJP, the political dynamics in Gujarat are set for a significant shift. His move, along with other recent defections like Milind Deora and Ashok Chavan, underscores the changing political landscape in the state. The leadership shuffle and realignments are bound to have far-reaching implications as the state gears up for future elections.