Another Jolt to Congress in Maharashtra: Former Purandar MLA Sanjay Jagtap Likely to Join BJP Amid Party Exodus

Pune: The Congress party in Maharashtra appears to be facing another political setback, as former Purandar MLA Sanjay Jagtap is reportedly contemplating a shift to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While there has been no formal announcement, mounting speculation — fueled by local media reports and a recent flurry of political activity — suggests that a switch could be imminent.

Jagtap, who had represented the Purandar Assembly constituency, was defeated in the 2024 state elections by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) candidate Vijay Shivtare. The loss was by a margin of 24,188 votes, with Shivtare securing 1,25,819 votes, while Jagtap managed 1,01,631. Observers note that a split in the opposition vote played a critical role in the outcome, as NCP candidate Sambhaji Zende, despite his party being part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, also contested the seat and received over 47,000 votes.

This fragmentation within the opposition is said to have disillusioned many Congress loyalists in the region, who have since been in touch with BJP leaders. According to political insiders, former Congress corporators from Saswad and Jejuri — two towns within the Purandar constituency — have held discussions with Jagtap, urging him to embrace the BJP fold. Moreover, several Congress grassroots workers from the region are also reportedly preparing to migrate en masse to the saffron party.

While Jagtap has maintained silence on the reports, the political atmosphere in Pune district suggests an announcement may be on the horizon. If confirmed, this would mark yet another high-profile defection from the Congress in the run-up to the 2029 Assembly elections, further denting the party’s organisational strength in western Maharashtra.

Jagtap’s potential shift mirrors the recent departure of other senior Congress figures. In April 2025, Sangram Thopte, the former Congress MLA from Bhor, joined the BJP, citing long-standing neglect and internal strife within the party. Thopte had represented Bhor for three consecutive terms, and his family has held political influence in the region for decades. His father, Anantrao Thopte, was a six-time MLA and a cabinet minister in earlier Congress governments.

Similarly, Ravindra Dhangekar, the former Congress MLA from Kasba Peth, also parted ways with the party earlier this year and joined the Shiv Sena. His exit was prompted by demands from his supporters and dissatisfaction with the party’s direction at the local level.