BJP MLC Sandip Joshi, close aide of Fadnavis and Gadkari, announces political retirement

BJP MLC Sandip Joshi considered close to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday announced retirement from politics stating he is stepping aside to make way for the young generationJoshi says politics was always about service not positionIn a letter addressed to wellwishers and posted on his social media handles the 55yearold leader said politics had always meant more to him than position or prestige it was a path of selfless service and dedication hellip pictwittercombCZHrahBt1mdash Sandip Joshi SandipJoshiNGP January 19 2026However the ongoing defections for power opportunism and intensifying competition today unsettle not just ordinary voters but also loyal workers With limited seats and rising expectations no one is willing to step back and this he pointed out is the harsh realitylsquoI should be the one to step asidersquo Joshi explains decisionEven today I consider myself an ordinary BJP worker but seeing this landscape the thought has firmly taken root in my mind that I should be the one to step aside and that is the decision I am announcing through this letter said Joshi who has also served as a corporator and mayor of NagpurMaking way for young blood is also essential Joshi noted adding that therefore after deep reflection he is putting a full stop to his political journey aheadApology to party leadership as Joshi announces exitI am well aware that the party has elevated me Thus seeking forgiveness from the partys top leadership Nitin Gadkari ji and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ji I am announcing this decision today he saidJoshi further said his term as Member of the Legislative Council ends on May 13 2026 and he will complete it viewing it as a responsibility entrusted by the partyNo ticket demand even if offered says JoshiAfter May 13 he will not demand a ticket from the party and even if offered he will humbly decline it the legislator saidIt should go to some ordinary young worker or the person the party decides he addedPlans to continue public service as social workerAfter May 13 I have decided to completely retire from active politics This decision is not born of momentary emotion but from profound deliberation From here on I will live as an ordinary social worker and continue serving the common people and working for them he saidRSS and BJP shaped political journey says JoshiJoshi acknowledged that after his family the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh played a pivotal role in shaping him He expressed deep gratitude to the BJP for the many opportunities it provided him throughout his political journeylsquoIn BJP even an ordinary worker can rise to the toprsquoThe MLC said if he stays in politics opportunities would surely come his wayI say with pride that in the BJP alone can an ordinary worker become the countrys prime minister However I sincerely believe that my presence should not cause injustice to any ordinary worker And in my absence nothing will be hindered for anyone this is the ultimate truth he added