Congress leader Sanjay Jagtap to join BJP on July 16, marking the 76th MVA defection. His move weakens Congress in Purandar ahead of local elections. BJP continues to consolidate strength statewide.
Pune | July 15, 2025 – The political shift in Maharashtra continues to tilt as another key leader from the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) camp prepares to cross over to the BJP. Sanjay Jagtap, former Congress MLA from Purandar, is set to join the BJP on July 16, in what marks another setback for the Congress ahead of the local body elections.
Jagtap announced his decision during a press conference in Saswad, openly expressing discontent with the Congress and indicating a clear break from alliance-based politics. His move follows Sangram Thopte’s defection, further weakening the MVA’s position in the state.
A Blow to Congress in Purandar
Sanjay Jagtap had won the 2019 Assembly election on a Congress ticket and represented the Purandar constituency until 2024. Known for his fierce rivalry with Shivtare, Jagtap had played a crucial role in strengthening the Congress in Purandar taluka.
During his press interaction, he stated, “We never did politics for power. My father always said, ‘It’s better you didn’t become an MLA.’ One son became an officer, and our institutions thrived. The politics of alliances is over.”
He further emphasized that his political journey moving forward would focus on positive politics and issue-based work. “After joining BJP on the 16th in the presence of state president Ravindra Chavan, we will work with energy. Our issues will now get a better platform,” he added.
MVA Exodus Continues
Sanjay Jagtap becomes the 76th MVA leader to join the ruling BJP since the one-sided Assembly election results. Political observers suggest the BJP is strategically destabilizing opposition parties in preparation for the upcoming local body elections, rapidly gaining strength in rural and semi-urban areas.
As defections rise, the Congress leadership faces mounting pressure to retain its remaining base, especially in key constituencies like Purandar where leaders like Jagtap had built strong grassroots connections.
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