Congress leaders Arjun Modhwadia and Ambarish Der join BJP in Gujarat

Ex-Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhwadia and ex-working president Ambarish Der joined the BJP on Tuesday in the sight of state BJP chief CR Paatil.

In a significant political development in Gujarat, former Congress state unit chief Arjun Modhwadia and former Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee working president Ambarish Der joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. 

The duo, along with several others, were welcomed into the BJP fold at the party’s state headquarters ‘Kamalam’ in Gandhinagar, in the presence of state BJP chief CR Paatil.

High-profile Joining Ceremony

Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil greeted Arjun Modhwadia and Ambarish Der with BJP scarfs and caps amidst chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Shree Ram” by enthusiastic party workers gathered at the venue.

Reasons for Departure

The decision to switch allegiance came a day after the two leaders resigned from the Congress, expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s stance on the Lord Ram temple consecration ceremony held in Ayodhya in January. 

Their departure coincided with the scheduled entry of Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Gujarat.

Impact and Resignation

Arjun Modhwadia, who represented the Porbandar seat, tendered his resignation as an MLA to Gujarat assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary in Gandhinagar on Monday evening, which was subsequently accepted. 

With Modhwadia’s exit, the effective representation of the Congress in the 182-member assembly has decreased to 14 seats.

Modhwadia’s Political Legacy

Modhwadia, 67, a veteran leader with a nearly 40-year association with the Congress party, has been a prominent figure in Gujarat politics. 

He held key positions such as Leader of the Opposition and state unit president, and secured a notable victory over BJP heavyweight Babu Bokhiria in the 2022 assembly elections.

Continued Exodus

Modhwadia’s resignation marks the third instance of a Congress MLA stepping down in the past four months, following Chirag Patel and CJ Chavda’s resignations in December and January, respectively. 

The shifting political landscape in Gujarat underscores the ongoing realignment of political forces ahead of the upcoming elections.