Senior Congress leader Milind Deora, considered a close friend of Rahul Gandhi, on January 14 announced his resignation from the grand old party, bringing an end to his family’s 55-year association with Congress.
The resignation comes on a day when Mr. Gandhi starts the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
The announcement comes a day after he dismissed as “rumours” the speculation that he was on his way out and would join the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Speaking to The Hindu, the party general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said the timing of Mr Deora’s exit has been decided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The mahurat (auspicious moment) was decided by the guru of headline management, sitting in Lok Kalyan Marg,” Mr Ramesh said.
Also read: Timing of announcement determined by PM Modi: Cong on Milind Deora's resignation
Mr. Deora, who recently made his displeasure over the Shiv Sena (UBT) staking a claim to the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency public, however, told reporters that he is holding discussions with his supporters.
“I am listening to my supporters...Haven’t taken a decision yet,” the former Mumbai South MP said when asked if he was chalking out a plan with his supporters.
Though Mr. Deora had denied about joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, he could be joining the party as he is keen to contest the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat.
Currently, the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat is held by Arvind Sawant, who is with Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction.
(With PTI inputs)
