Ravindra Dhangekar's Political Shift: From Congress to Shiv Sena

Former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar joins Shiv Sena, citing the need for political power to effectively serve constituents. This decision follows internal party conflicts and raises concerns about Congress's internal dynamics, especially prioritizing newcomers over loyal, long-serving members.

In a significant political move, former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar has ended his decade-long stint with the party to align with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. During a Monday press interaction, Dhangekar expressed that the decision was both emotional and challenging, reflecting a substantial shift in his political career.

Dhangekar's departure underscores internal frictions within Congress. He ran for the Lok Sabha from the Pune city seat and vied for the Kasbapeth Assembly seat last year, facing opposition from fellow Congress members Kamal Vyavhare and Mukhtar Shaikh. The latter, a senior Congress leader from Pune, expressed dismay over the party's prioritization of newer members like Dhangekar, positing that long-standing members are often sidelined. Shaikh's concerns point to a larger issue within the party regarding the distribution of responsibilities among its members.

Dhangekar justified his move by emphasizing the necessity of political power to meet his constituents' needs. He commended Eknath Shinde's development-focused leadership and disclosed multiple discussions with Shinde and Minister Uday Samant preceding his decision. In response to Dhangekar's realignment, Pune City Shiv Sena President Pramod Bhangire welcomed the expansion of their party's influence in Pune.

(With inputs from agencies.)