Archana Chakurkar's decision to join the BJP was formalised in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Chakurkar met Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence 'Sagar' in south Mumbai on Friday signalling her intent to align herself with the BJP.

Initially, Chakurkar had planned to join the BJP alongside former state minister Baswaraj Murumkar, a close aide of Shivraj Patil, but postponed the decision due to her daughter's wedding.

Chakurkar is currently the chairperson of Lifecare Hospital and Research Centre in Udgir, while her husband Shailesh Chakurkar holds the position of state secretary within the Congress party.

Shivraj Patil, who served as Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 in the Congress-led UPA government, brings a significant political legacy, further amplifying the impact of Chakurkar's defection to the BJP.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed Archana Chakurkar into the BJP, expressing confidence that her association would strengthen the party.

The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Maharashtra will be conducted in five phases and shall begin on April 19. Two alliance--Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi--are in the fray for 48 seats in the state.