"Walking on path of development," says Milind Deora after quitting Congress

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 14 (ANI): After resigning from Congress' primary membership on Sunday, Milind Deora justified his move, by saying that he has chosen a "path to development."
"I am walking on the path of development," Deora said while speaking to reporters in Mumbai.
The former Congress leader is all set to join the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Deora, accompanied by his wife and party supporters, offered prayers at Siddhivinayak Temple in Maharashtra's Mumbai ahead of joining the Shinde Sena.

Deora announced his exit from the grand old party following differences in seat-sharing.
Earlier this month, he expressed displeasure over the Shiv Sena (UBT), an INDI alliance partner of Congress, claiming the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency, which he had represented earlier.
However, the Congress party targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Deora's resignation on Sunday.

Speaking on Deora's resignation, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "Prime Minister has decided this, there is no doubt about it."
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "What can I say? If someone wishes to leave the party, they can. I met him last time in Nagpur and had a good conversation with him."

Mumbai Regional Congress Committee president Varsha Eknath Gaikwad called Deora's decision unfortunate and said, "It is unfortunate that you have taken this decision, @milinddeora ji. On a personal level and as a Congress karyakarta, I feel sad today."

"It is also regrettable that your announcement comes on a day when the party embarks on the historic #BharatJodoNyayYatra," Gaikward said in a post on X.
Responding to Deora's resignation, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, "We have come to Manipur and the people here have welcomed us because only Congress and INDI alliance talk about the issues of Manipur. At this time, if Milind Deora ji is not here then it's his loss."

Senior leader Sandeep Dikshit expressed his astonishment at Deora joining an alliance party of BJP and said, "I will be surprised if someone like him, after leaving Congress would join an alliance party of the BJP. There are two big weaknesses in humans and those are greed and fear."

Deora tendered resignation from the party's primary membership earlier in the day.
Deora confirmed his resignation in a post on X, and stated, "Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family's 55-year relationship with the party."
"I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," he added.
Several party members are also likely to join Shiv Sena today in support of Deora, the sources said.
Meanwhile, Congress 'Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra' is scheduled to start at noon on Sunday with a floral tribute at the Khongjom War Memorial, followed by its launch at Myay Maidan, Khongjom in Manipur's Thoubai.
Rahul Gandhi will cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, going through 110 districts throughout the Yatra. (ANI)