In a significant blow to the Congress party in Maharashtra, former minister and state working president, Basavaraj Patil Murumkar, has tendered his resignation. This latest departure comes just days before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, adding to the string of setbacks for the grand old party in the state.

Speculations are rife that Murumkar may align himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with some local reports suggesting his potential joining on Tuesday. Known as a prominent leader in the Marathwada region, his exit marks yet another loss for the Congress.

This resignation follows the departure of ex-Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who had also parted ways with the Congress recently. Chavan has since joined the BJP, symbolizing a trend of senior Congress leaders finding new political homes. Milind Deora, another prominent figure, has aligned himself with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and both Chavan and Deora have been nominated for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Adding to the Congress’ woes, Baba Siddiqui has joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, further fragmenting the party’s leadership in Maharashtra.

Responding to Murumkar’s resignation, Congress secretary Abhay Salunke downplayed its potential impact, citing Murumkar’s lack of public engagement since his loss in the 2019 Ausa Assembly seat. However, Murumkar’s departure signals a deeper rift within the party and underscores the challenges Congress faces in retaining its base in Maharashtra.

Hailing from Murum in Umarga taluka of Dharashiv district, Basavaraj Patil Murumkar rose to prominence after his election to the Maharashtra assembly in 1999, subsequently serving as the Rural Development Minister from 1999 to 2004. Despite a loss in the 2004 elections, Murumkar continued to be an influential figure in Maharashtra politics, representing different constituencies over the years.