The former Chief Minister and president of Karnataka Janata Paksha B.S. Yeddyurappa on Sunday announced in Shikaripur, his home turf, that he would join the Bharatiya Janata Party soon.
Addressing a meeting of the KJP taluk unit, he said that “this will be the last meeting of the KJP in Shikaripur. Henceforth, there will be no meeting in Shikaripur in the name of the KJP. I will soon join the BJP with my followers.”
The announcement was welcomed with a loud applause by KJP functionaries who attended the meeting. They also raised slogans in favour of Mr. Yeddyurappa and the BJP.
Mr. Yeddyurappa said that he was joining the BJP to strengthen the hands of Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
The development work initiated by Mr. Modi in Gujarat proves his administration skills and leadership qualities, he said and added that the nation needed a leader like Mr. Modi.
Mr. Yeddyurappa claimed that owing to his hard work the BJP could emerge as a strong political force in the State.
“The BJP has received serious setback in Karnataka owing to my exit from the party. After my return to the BJP, I will tour the entire State to rejuvenate the party. The BJP will fare well in the Lok Sabha election in the State,” Mr. Yeddyurappa said.
Shimoga MP and Mr. Yeddyurappa’s son B.Y. Raghavendra said that he will support his father’s decision to return to the BJP.