Mumbai: In a surprising move, BJP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Sandip Joshi, a close associate of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, announced on Monday that he is stepping away from active politics to allow the next generation of leaders to rise.
In a heartfelt letter shared on his social media handles, the 55-year-old politician reflected on his decades-long political journey, saying that for him, politics has always been about service rather than personal prestige.
Joshi cited the current climate of intense competition and opportunism in politics as one of the reasons for his decision. “Even today, I consider myself an ordinary BJP worker. But in this environment, I feel the need to step aside and let younger leaders take the mantle,” he wrote.
He highlighted the importance of bringing fresh energy into the party and expressed confidence in the BJP leadership’s ability to identify capable successors. “After May 13, 2026, when my term ends, I will not seek a ticket or hold any political position. The party can choose the next leader, and I will step back gracefully,” Joshi added.
Joshi’s political career includes serving as a corporator and mayor of Nagpur, along with his current tenure as MLC. He expressed deep gratitude to the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which he credited for shaping his ideology and guiding his work.
