In a significant setback for the Congress party in Maharashtra, veteran leader Padmakar Valvi made a pivotal move on Wednesday by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The transition occurred in Mumbai in the presence of state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule and party leader Ashok Chavan.

Among the six, the BJP had fielded three nominees including Chavan, and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and NCP one each.  

However, when questioned about any communication with senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Chavan refrained from providing a direct response.