In response to Rahul Gandhi's comment about a "senior leader shedding tears in front of Sonia Gandhi," Ashok Chavan stated...

Gandhi claimed at a rally in Mumbai that a Maharashtra leader cried in front of his mother and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi before leaving the grand old party.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan responded to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's recent claims as "unfounded" during a speech in Mumbai. Gandhi had alleged that a prominent Maharashtra leader had tearfully confided in Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress president and Rahul's mother, before leaving the party, citing an inability to confront powerful forces and a fear of imprisonment.

Chavan clarified that he never met Sonia Gandhi before leaving the Congress, dismissing Gandhi's assertions as politically motivated. He emphasized that until he tendered his resignation, he was actively working at the Congress headquarters. Chavan added that his decision to join the BJP was personal, emphasizing that no external pressure influenced his choice. He expressed confidence in the BJP's ability to succeed in elections under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

Chavan's switch to the BJP occurred in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, where he pledged to contribute to the BJP's electoral victories in both national and state polls. He also mentioned his unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra and his prior roles, including as Chief Minister and Maharashtra Congress chief.

In 2010, Chavan resigned as Chief Minister amid allegations related to the Adarsh housing scam, marking a significant transition in his political career.