Congress Loyalist Kunal Patil Joins BJP, Signals Major Political Shift

In a significant political shift, Kunal Patil, a former Congress MLA and part of a prominent Congress family in north Maharashtra, has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Patil, who hails from Dhule and is the son of former minister the late Rohidas Patil, declared his move on Tuesday alongside senior BJP leaders.

Expressing his motivations, Patil asserted the switch was entirely voluntary and supported by his constituents. 'There is no pressure on me to join the BJP. My decision is rooted in my desire to serve the people more effectively,' he told the press, emphasizing his commitment to public service.

This defection marks a substantial blow to the Congress, coming from a lineage of staunch party loyalists. Maharashtra Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal criticized the move, questioning BJP's ability to cultivate its own leadership while noting the legacy Patil has departed from. The shift follows other recent defections, indicating a troubling trend for the Congress's presence in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)