Maharashtra Politics: Anna Dange Returns To BJP After 23 Years; Fadnavis Slams Congress Over 'Operation Sindoor' Remark

Veteran leader and former minister Anna Dange, along with his two sons former Islampur Municipal Council Chief Adv. Chiman Dange and Vishwanath Dange and hundreds of supporters officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan welcomed them into the party fold.

Senior Leaders Attend Grand Induction Ceremony

Prominent leaders such as Sangli Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil, MLAs Suresh Khade and Sudhir Gadgil, BJP General Secretary Vikrant Patil, Madhavi Naik, Prithviraj Deshmukh, District President Samrat Mahadik, Sangli City President Prakash Dhang, Janasurajya’s Samit Kadam, Headquarters In-charge Ravindra Anaspure, Chief Spokesperson Keshav Upadhye, Media Head Navnath Ban, and State Spokesperson Avadhut Wagh were present for the induction ceremony.

Fadnavis Calls It a ‘Homecoming’

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded Anna Dange as a senior leader who significantly contributed to the growth of both the Jan Sangh and BJP. “This is not just an induction, but a homecoming. You are not returning to us; rather, we are returning to your guidance,” said Fadnavis. He added that the BJP would work under Dange’s blessings and assured him of full respect and recognition within the party.

Fadnavis also praised Dange’s role in restoring the historic birthplace of Ahilyabai Holkar in Choundi.

Ravindra Chavan: Dange's Return to Benefit Dhangar Community

BJP State President Ravindra Chavan said the Dange family’s trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Fadnavis is evident in their return. “Their entry will boost efforts to address the concerns of the Dhangar community. The party will honor them with due respect and work for the region's development with their support,” he added.

Anna Dange: ‘One of the Happiest Days of My Life’

Speaking at the event, Anna Dange said, “Today is one of the happiest days of my life. After resigning from the BJP in March 2002, I am returning to the party after 23 years. I worked with various parties in the past but did not receive the attention I deserved. Now, I will wholeheartedly work for the growth and development of the BJP.”

More Leaders From Sharad Pawar’s Group Join BJP

Several leaders from the Sharad Pawar faction also joined the BJP, including former corporator Subhash Desai, ex-Zilla Parishad member Bhanudas Veerkar, Dindayal SC Mill Chairman Amol Chaudhary, former corporators Shrikant Mane, Ashok Desai, Mohammad Ghanibhai, Jalindar Koli, Social Justice Cell head Gopal Nage, and Youth Congress Vice President Abhijeet Raskar.

Fadnavis Slams Congress Over ‘Operation Sindoor’ Remarks

Taking a firm stand, CM Fadnavis sharply criticized Congress for labeling ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a “media drama.” “This is an insult to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the anti-terror operation. Congress is using the same language as Pakistan,” he said.

Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi Demands Full Transparency From Centre Ahead Of Operation Sindoor Debate

Congress Echoing Pakistan's Rhetoric, Says CM

Fadnavis referred to statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Parliament, where they provided detailed evidence about the operation. “Congress has once again been exposed. Their narrative mirrors that of Pakistan, down to the punctuation marks,” Fadnavis remarked.

'An Insult to Our Army’s Sacrifice'

He further said, “Calling Operation Sindoor a drama is rubbing salt on the wounds of terrorism victims and insulting the valor of the Indian Army.” The CM condemned Congress for its “lowly political attempts” to undermine national security and pride.