Mumbai, December 26 (NationPress) Prashant Jagtap, the previous Mayor of Pune and City President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP), has officially joined the Congress party today in a ceremony attended by Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal.

In a significant shift, numerous office-bearers from the NCP-SP in Pune also made the transition to Congress, marking Jagtap's move as a substantial advantage for the party as the Municipal Corporation elections approach.

Jagtap had been a vocal critic of the alliance between NCP-SP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP regarding the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, especially when local leaders sought a partnership with the Sharad Pawar faction.

Despite attempts by NCP-SP working president Supriya Sule to persuade him to reconsider, Jagtap remained resolute, resigning from his position and the party. He emphasized his commitment to remain politically active in defense of the Constitution and to uphold secular values.

Jagtap received outreach from state Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant and Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray. Notably, no local Congress leaders approached him regarding his party switch.

In his remarks, Jagtap stated, "The Congress is a legacy of 135 years, a vast ocean that withstands storms like the Himalayas. As a progressive worker, I joined to promote the ideologies of Gandhi, Nehru, and Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar. My battle is against communalism and corruption, and currently, only Congress can effectively oppose the BJP."

During the event, Sapkal remarked, "The ideologies of Shiva-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar and the Congress party are intrinsically linked. Political parties are rooted in ideologies, and Congress remains dedicated to fighting this ideological battle. Today, some factions are solely focused on power and wealth accumulation through corrupt practices. A spectacle of 'throw money and watch the show' is ongoing. The Congress ideology is what will safeguard the nation. We warmly welcome Prashant Jagtap into the expansive realm of Congress."

He continued, "Congress advocates for principles of equality, brotherhood, and social justice. In contrast, the BJP fosters a communal and Manuvadi mindset, seeking to monopolize power and religion. Some individuals were given significant roles by Congress—CMs, ministers, MPs—yet they departed citing 'suffocation.' Jagtap's decision to join Congress is a commitment to ideological struggle."

Congress Legislative Party Leader Vijay Wadettiwar commented, "Prashant Jagtap was previously aligned with NCP (Sharad Pawar). He took a principled stand against joining forces with communal entities and opted for Congress; this exemplifies true commitment to ideology. He embodies leadership that upholds the values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar. Many attempted to dissuade him or offered incentives, but he remained on the progressive path. Leaders like him will ensure our victory in 2029."

Former Minister Naseem Khan asserted that the nation urgently needs to preserve democracy and the Constitution, criticizing the BJP for 'misleading people through falsehoods' and employing a 'divide and rule' strategy, claiming that only Congress's vision can safeguard the country.

In the meantime, Congress celebrated the victories in the Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections.