A day after quitting the Indian National Congress (INC), former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amid the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Chavan will file his Rajya Sabha nomination tomorrow.

Also Read: Another blow for Congress as former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan quits, likely to join BJP

The former Chief Minister had yesterday told the media that he would take a decision on his political future in the next couple of days. However, earlier today, while speaking to reporters, Chavan had said, “I am joining the BJP today at its office in Mumbai. Today is the beginning of my new political career.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “We are very happy to welcome the stalwart leader of Maharashtra who worked in both the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha, who served as Chief Minister of Maharashtra and in several ministries.”

Chavan’s exit is yet another blow to Maharashtra Congress months ahead of state polls and the Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, key Congress leader, Milind Deora, quit the party and joined the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. Baba Siddique too left and moved to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.