New Delhi: Former Congress member and Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna on Wednesday formally joined the BJP, after resigning from his parent party in January.
"It has been a great journey and have landed at a very important stop in service of the nation," said the 84-year-old Krishna.
The veteran also expressed belief in "a great India emerging under the leadership of PM Modi".
Amit Shah welcomed Krishna joining the party and said: "With his wide experience in different portfolios, he is an asset to the country."
Krishna, on his part, returned the compliment and said: "I am deeply humbled that I am joining a political party which has given lot to the country."
BJP hopes Krishna will help BJP's prospects in the upcoming by-polls in Nanjangud and Gundulpet - both constituencies bordering old Mysore region, as Krishna is from the same region.
Krishna belongs to OBC Vokalliga community which has a strong presence in 28 seats in Bangalore.
Krishna has both the stature and experience to take on the fellow Vokalliga leader and JDS President HD Deve Gowda.
Also, Krishna's induction into BJP underscores depletion in Congress' political capital.
Mr Krishna put off his plan to join the BJP last week after the death of his sister. Though he had reached New Delhi to hold consultations with Amit Shah and to join the party, he had to rush back to Bengaluru after hearing the news of her death.
The former Karnataka CM had announced his resignation from Congress on 29th January, saying the party was in a “state of confusion” on whether it needed mass leaders or not. But according to sources, SM Krishna was unhappy with being ignored by the party high command.
Comments
0 comment