Nagpur: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) Sandeep Joshi has formally announced his decision to retire from active politics, stating that the changing political culture and the need to make space for younger leadership compelled him to step aside.
In a detailed and emotional letter titled “Now I Choose to Pause”, Joshi said politics, for him, was never about power or position but about service, loyalty, and commitment. However, increasing instances of party-switching, opportunism, and intense competition for limited posts have disturbed not only ordinary voters but also sincere grassroots workers.
Gold Rate
17 Jan 2026
“I still consider myself a simple BJP worker, but seeing the current scenario, I felt it was time for me to step back,” Joshi wrote.
At 55, Joshi said creating space for young leadership is essential for any organisation’s future. He announced that his tenure as an MLC will conclude on May 13 and clarified that he will neither seek nor accept any political post after that date, even if offered. He said the responsibility should instead go to a young or deserving worker chosen by the party.
Joshi assured that he will continue to discharge all constitutional, moral, and public duties as an MLC with full responsibility until the end of his term. He emphasised that his decision is not emotional or impulsive but the result of deep introspection.
Expressing gratitude, Joshi apologised to senior BJP leaders including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for any inconvenience his decision may cause, acknowledging that the party and its leadership shaped his political journey.
He also clarified that while he is retiring from active politics, he will continue social, cultural, and sports-related work. Joshi listed several initiatives he will remain involved in, including welfare projects for single mothers affected during the Covid period, food services for relatives of patients coming to Nagpur for treatment, cow protection initiatives, diagnostic health services, and multiple state-level sports associations and tournaments.
Joshi acknowledged that his decision may come as a shock to his family, supporters, and party workers, and offered a heartfelt apology to all of them.
Reflecting on his journey, Joshi recalled his long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP, stating that the party gave a “common worker” opportunities to serve as corporator four times, Standing Committee Chairman, Mayor, and MLC. He said he will remain forever indebted to the party and its leadership.
While noting that remaining in politics could have brought him further opportunities, Joshi said his presence should not become a reason for injustice to any ordinary worker. “If my absence does not harm anyone, then stepping aside is the right decision,” he wrote.
Ending his letter on a reflective note, Joshi said choosing dignity over position and peace over noise is what gives life meaning — a belief that ultimately guided his decision to step away.
With this announcement, Sandeep Joshi brings an end to a significant chapter of his active political life, while signaling a shift toward public service outside electoral politics.
