In a surprise development, former BJP MP Anna Joshi has left the party to fight the state Assembly election from Pune on NCP ticket, giving a jolt to the saffron alliance in Pune.
Joshi, one of the seniormost BJP leaders from the city and a two-time MLA before he became MP, will file his nomination as NCP candidate from Kothrud constituency where the Shiv Sena-Bjp alliance has fielded Chandrakant Mokate (SS), according to NCP spokesman Ankush Kakde.
Cracks in the BJP city unit have surfaced with Joshi's cross-over to a party which is ideologically opposite with its secular plank.
According to BJP sources, Anna Joshi was a disillusioned man after he was denied party ticket in the last Lok Sabha and again for the ensuing Assembly elections from Pune.
Joshi had also held the post of deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly in the past. (MORE)
Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.
Stay updated with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Mumbai. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top Cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more across India along with Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.