Overview
- Joshi announced his decision in a social media letter, framing it as a move to create space for younger leaders and expressing concern over defections and opportunism.
- He said he will serve out his Maharashtra Legislative Council term through May 13, 2026 and will decline any future party ticket.
- BJP Nagpur city chief Dayashankar Tiwari said Joshi has conveyed his desire to step back but the party has not accepted it and leaders will try to persuade him to reconsider.
- The 55-year-old former Nagpur mayor is considered close to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, to whom he offered apologies in his note.
- Internal party sources cited local discontent over denied candidatures, including resignations in Ward 16, and Joshi said he plans to continue public work as a social worker after politics.