Milind Deora quits Congress: Will welcome Deora if he joins Shiv Sena, says CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday was evasive on former Union minister Milind Deora, who quit the Congress earlier in the day, joining the Shiv Sena but said his party will welcome him if he chooses to do so, reported news agency PTI.

"I have heard about his move. If he is joining the party, I will welcome him," Shinde said, reported PTI.

Milind Deora quits Congress: Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey, said Deora

In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, earlier in the day Milind Deora said, "Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of the Congress, ending my family's 55 year relationship with the party. I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues and karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years."

Speculation is rife in political circles over the past few days that he is likely to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Milind Deora quits Congress: Going on the path of development, says Deora

Former Union minister Milind Deora, who quit the Congress on Sunday, said he was going on the "path of development", reported PTI.

He was speaking to reporters at his 'Ramalayam' residence on Peddar Road.

"I am going walking on the path of development," Deora said as he stepped out of his house with wife Pooja to visit Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi to offer prayers, reported PTI.

Incidentally, Sada Sarvankar, an MLA from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, was present at the temple, He is also the temple trust chief.

Deora is likely to meet the chief minister at the latter's official residence 'Varsha' and join the Shiv Sena.