Former Congress MLA Dilip Mane Likely to Join BJP Ahead of Elections

Former Congress MLA Dilip Mane may join BJP after meeting CM Fadnavis, creating new political stir in Maharashtra.

Mumbai, Oct 17, 2025 — Maharashtra politics is witnessing another round of party switching ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. Former Congress MLA Dilip Mane is reportedly preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after holding a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting has triggered speculation that Mane’s formal entry into BJP could happen soon, adding to Congress’s growing list of political setbacks in the state.

According to reports, Dilip Mane met Fadnavis earlier this week in Mumbai. Speaking to the media, he said he had been invited for discussions and that the meeting revolved around local development and future political plans. Though he has not officially confirmed his switch, sources close to both camps suggest that an announcement may come within days.

If confirmed, Mane’s move will be a major political gain for the BJP, particularly in Solapur district, where he holds significant influence. He has a strong grassroots network and has previously contested and won assembly elections from the region. His entry would give the BJP added strength in western Maharashtra as it gears up for local body elections and prepares its strategy for the 2029 assembly polls.

For the Congress, Mane’s possible defection represents another blow at a time when the party is struggling to retain its base in several districts. The state unit has already been hit by internal divisions and the exit of several senior leaders to rival parties. Party insiders admit privately that Congress’s ability to hold ground in western Maharashtra is weakening due to recurring leadership losses.

Dilip Mane’s political journey has seen several shifts over the years. Originally associated with Congress, he later joined the Shiv Sena before returning to Congress in 2024. His decision to now align with the BJP highlights how local leaders continue to reposition themselves according to changing political realities in Maharashtra.

BJP leaders have welcomed the development, saying that seasoned politicians like Mane bring both organizational strength and voter credibility. They also view his induction as part of a larger plan to consolidate the party’s influence in areas where it previously had limited reach.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders have avoided commenting on the reports, saying only that they will respond after any official announcement. However, many in the party see this as part of an ongoing trend of senior leaders moving to BJP before elections, drawn by the party’s resources and expanding network across the state.

With civic elections approaching, such political shifts are likely to continue in the coming weeks. Dilip Mane’s next move will not only shape the BJP’s position in Solapur but also signal how deep the Congress’s organizational troubles run in Maharashtra’s changing political landscape.

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