Pune, March 10 -- Former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar has announced his decision to join Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Dhangekar described his decision to leave the Congress as an emotional and challenging choice, marking the end of his decade-long association with the party in the city.

Dhangekar contested the Lok Sabha from Pune city seat and the Assembly elections from Kasbapeth seat last year. On the Kasbapeth seat, he was opposed by two of his Congress colleagues Kamal Vyavhare and Mukhtar Shaikh. Kamala Vyavhare had also contested against him as an independent whereas Mukhtaar withdrew his nomination after intervention from seniors of the party.

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