Political Shift in Maharashtra: Congress MLC Pragnya Satav May Join BJP

In a potential political shake-up in Maharashtra, Congress MLC Pragnya Satav is rumored to be considering a switch to the BJP. This move could significantly affect the Congress party's standing ahead of the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for January 2026. Pragnya, who is the widow of the late Congress leader Rajiv Satav, was appointed as an MLC following his death in 2021. Her anticipated defection is seen as a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape, raising questions about the Congress party's future. The State Election Commission has confirmed that elections for 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, will occur in a single phase, with results announced shortly after. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 17:34 IST

Potential Defection Ahead of Municipal Elections

In Maharashtra, the Congress party may face a significant political setback as reports suggest that MLC Pragnya Satav is likely to switch allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Pragnya is the widow of the late senior Congress leader and former MP Rajiv Satav, who passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19. Following her husband's death, she was appointed as an MLC by the Congress party.

Her anticipated defection is being viewed as a crucial development in Maharashtra's political landscape, potentially impacting the Congress party's prospects in the upcoming municipal elections.

The State Election Commission (SEC) recently announced that elections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will take place in a single phase on January 15, 2026, with vote counting and results to be declared on January 16.

Background on Pragnya Satav

Rajiv Satav, a close associate of the Gandhi family, served as an MP from Hingoli from 2014 to 2019. After his passing, Pragnya was elected unopposed to fill the vacancy in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 2021. In the same year, she was also entrusted with responsibilities for the Gujarat Assembly elections by the Congress party.

Rajiv Satav was known for establishing a distinct identity within the Congress party at the national level and was considered one of Rahul Gandhi's trusted allies. Pragnya Satav was first elected unopposed in a by-election in 2021 and is expected to run again for the assembly in the 2024 elections, with her term valid until 2030.