Shocking Turn: Congress MLC Pradnya Satav Abandons Party to Join BJP Right Before Crucial Local Polls!
Congress Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Pradnya Satav has made a significant political move by resigning from the Maharashtra Upper House to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her switch was announced at the BJP Headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday, December 18, 2025, amid the presence of BJP State President Ravindra Chavan and Revenue Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule.
In a statement regarding her decision, Satav highlighted her commitment to fulfilling the developmental vision of her late husband, Raju Satav, and contributing to the initiatives led by former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “On the insistence of the workers, to fulfil Raju Satav’s incomplete dream of development, and to contribute to development led by Devendra Fadnavis, I have joined the BJP family,” she remarked.
Her departure from the Congress party has raised eyebrows, sparking accusations from her former party. Congress leader Nana Patole criticized the BJP, alleging that the party is luring Congress members with financial incentives. “The Prime Minister has spoken about a Congress-free India, and now they are slowly inducting Congress people into their party. She might have come under the influence of the BJP. I am not sure under what temptation she joined the BJP. The BJP has been all about money from power, and power from money,” Patole stated.
Satav’s resignation is particularly noteworthy as it comes just ahead of local elections scheduled for January 15, 2026, marking a troubling trend for the Congress party, already reeling from the recent defection of former MLA Dilip Mane to the BJP. Former Congressman-turned-BJP leader Ashok Chavan interpreted this shift as a sign of insecurity within the Congress ranks, asserting that many dedicated party workers are leaving due to a perceived lack of leadership. Chavan dismissed any insinuations that he played a role in Satav’s transition.
Satav was first elected as MLC in 2021 and was re-nominated in July 2024, securing her position until 2030. Her decision to join the BJP has drawn mixed reactions, even from within political circles. NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule expressed her shock, emphasizing the Satav family’s longstanding allegiance to Congress. “The family believed in the Congress ideology and had a familial relationship with Congress. So it is difficult to understand what the reason could be,” Sule commented.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to shift, Satav’s transition from Congress to BJP adds to an ongoing narrative of party realignment in the run-up to local elections. The BJP’s growing influence and the Congress party’s struggle to maintain its base are likely to remain focal points in the weeks leading up to the polls, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive electoral environment.
This political shake-up underscores the significant changes occurring within Maharashtra’s political framework and brings to light the dynamics of loyalty and ambition that continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s governance.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/congress-mlc-pradnya-satav-abandons-party-just-before-local-polls-to-join-bjp/article70412859.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-12-19 03:44:00
