Former MLA from Katol in Nagpur district Ashish Deshmukh, who was expelled from Congress, will join Bharatiya Janata Party on June 18. Deshmukh had been expelled from Congress for six years for criticizing party leaders including Rahul Gandhi.
Deshmukh, son of former Maharashtra minister and a strong Congress leader Ranjit Deshmukh will embrace BJP in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavius, BJP State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule at Naivedyam Sabhagruha, Koradi at 10 am on June 18.
Deshmukh had contested the Assembly election against Fadnavis from Nagpur South-West constituency. He had left BJP on the issues related to the demand for a separate Vidarbha state. Recent meetings between Deshmukh and Fadnavis were indications of Deshmukh joining the BJP.
Ashish Deshmukh is considered to be a candidate to contest against former minister and Congress leader Sunil Kedar from the Saoner Assembly constituency.