Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey has officially joined the Congress party ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, expressing his intent to contest from the Versova constituency. Pandey, a retired IPS officer who was previously viewed as a key figure during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, has been embroiled in legal controversies, including arrests related to the NSE phone tapping case, for which he was granted bail in December 2022. He stated that he has held a desire to join Congress since 2004, highlighting his belief in the party's secular ideology. Pandey criticized the misuse of investigative agencies like the ED and CBI against political opponents, asserting that citizens should not fear such tactics. His induction into Congress was facilitated by Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad, marking a significant entry into active politics for the former police chief. Speculation surrounds his potential candidacy as he aims to leverage his background and public support in the upcoming polls.