In a strategic move, Ravi Raja, a senior Congress leader from Sion-Koliwada and five-term corporator, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Diwali. After 44 years with Congress, Raja switched over following the party’s decision to renominate Ganesh Yadav for the Sion-Koliwada assembly seat, a position Raja had aspired to contest. Yadav, who lost the 2019 election to BJP’s Tamil Selvan, was chosen once again, prompting Raja to make the shift.
Raja joined BJP in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mumbai unit President Ashish Shelar, and Selvan himself. Fadnavis praised Raja’s long-standing service, particularly his 23-year tenure on the BEST committee and his role as opposition leader in the BMC, calling him a “learned, hardworking leader” with deep networks across the city. Fadnavis also hinted that more Congress leaders may join BJP through Raja’s connections.
In a resignation letter posted on X, Raja expressed his discontent with Congress, stating, “Since 1980, as a Youth Congress member, I served with utmost sincerity and dedication, and today I feel my 44 years of service is unappreciated.” Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary from Ghatkopar, Babu Darekar, also joined BJP, marking another gain for the party.
