New Delhi: Former Odisha Chief Minister Giridhar Gamang today met BJP president Amit Shah and announced that he was joining the party. While the party leadership is reported to have accepted his joining, his formal joining will take place later in Bhubaneshwar.
The 72-year-old tribal leader from Odisha, who quit the Congress on May 30, said he decided to join the BJP as he liked its political strategy.
"I have decided to join the BJP, but I will join formally soon. It will be decided by the state unit soon. I had met the Amit Shah today and made my plea which has been accepted by the party leadership," Mr Gamang said after an hour-long meeting with Shah.
"BJP is a national party and now it has proved as an alternative to Congress. The way they are having their strategy in Indian democracy, I think this new concept of political strategy...I like it as it is not only to be in power but also to serve people," he said.
Terming today's visit as a 'courtesy call' to the BJP chief, Pradhan said Mr Gamang is a seasoned politician from Odisha, who has considerable hold and respect among tribals, poor and backward classes and will benefit BJP.
He said what has been decided today is that Mr Gamang will formally join the BJP in Bhubaneshwar in the presence and leadership of Union Minister Jual Oram.
Gamang was chief minister of Odisha for nine months in 1999 and has also been a former Union Minister. He was first elected to Lok Sabha in 1972. Sources said that Mr Gamang is also looking at the political future of his son.
The 72-year-old tribal leader from Odisha, who quit the Congress on May 30, said he decided to join the BJP as he liked its political strategy.
"I have decided to join the BJP, but I will join formally soon. It will be decided by the state unit soon. I had met the Amit Shah today and made my plea which has been accepted by the party leadership," Mr Gamang said after an hour-long meeting with Shah.
"BJP is a national party and now it has proved as an alternative to Congress. The way they are having their strategy in Indian democracy, I think this new concept of political strategy...I like it as it is not only to be in power but also to serve people," he said.
Advertisement
Terming today's visit as a 'courtesy call' to the BJP chief, Pradhan said Mr Gamang is a seasoned politician from Odisha, who has considerable hold and respect among tribals, poor and backward classes and will benefit BJP.
Advertisement
He said what has been decided today is that Mr Gamang will formally join the BJP in Bhubaneshwar in the presence and leadership of Union Minister Jual Oram.
Advertisement
Gamang was chief minister of Odisha for nine months in 1999 and has also been a former Union Minister. He was first elected to Lok Sabha in 1972. Sources said that Mr Gamang is also looking at the political future of his son.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Odisha NEET PG 2024 Counselling Round 1 Schedule Out, Check Details "Will Retire From Politics If...": Siddaramaiah On PM Modi's Remarks In Odisha, Over Rs 20 Lakh Cash Found Inside Heap Of Cow Dung AR Rahman, Wife Saira Announce Separation After 29 Years Of Marriage Air India Flight From Paris Diverted To Jaipur, Fliers Sent To Delhi On Bus Amid Souring Ties With India, Canada's Latest Move Inconveniences Fliers G20 Ends With Ukraine Allies, Russia Trading Blame Over War Escalation Trump Taps TVs "Dr. Oz" To Head US Public Health Insurance Program SpaceX Fails To Repeat Starship Booster Catch, As Trump Looks On Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.