Bellary: Sriramulu announces merger of BSR Congress with BJP
Daijiworld Media Network – Bellary (SP)
Bellary, Mar 6: “BJP leader, Sushma Swaraj, who had initially opposed the merger plan of BSR Congress with BJP, has relented and given her assent for the merger. I had in the past, formed a separate party, as I felt that my self respect had been compromised with. However, now I have realized that the country’s interests have to get priority over other things. I will soon fix a date for the merger after consulting astrologers,” said BSR Congress founder and former minister, B Sriramulu.
He was speaking after the state executive of BSR Congress and convention of party workers that was organized here on Wednesday March 5 gave its stamp of approval for his plan of merging the party with BJP.
“We need to be a party to the political transformation the country will witness after the Lok Sabha election this time. We should strive to make Narendra Modi our next prime minister, and thereby contribute towards conserving the country’s interests. For achieving this aim, we need to invest our entire political power in achieving these things,” he said, analyzing reasons for his party’s decision to join BJP.
Sriramulu clarified that he has taken a decision to unite with BJP, at the invitation of senior BJP leaders. He confessed that he had been utterly disappointed and dismayed at the last assembly election result, and expressed confidence of reversing the fortunes and getting back the lost political clout by joining the BJP.
Actress, Pooja Gandhi, MP, J Shanta, Raichur MP, Sanna Pakirappa, MLC, Mrutyinjaya Jinaga, Gonal Rajashekhar Gowda and others were present.
Sushma Swaraj opposes merger
However, contrary to Sriramulu's claims, Sushma Swaraj on Thursday March 6 opposed BJP's merger or alliance with the BSR Congress.
In a tweet on Thursday morning, Swaraj said, "I am opposed to the BSR alliance or merger with BJP in Karnataka.
"I have conveyed to Shri Raj Nath Singhji in writing that BJP must not permit this," she added.
The BJP in Karnataka on Wednesday had confirmed that the party floated by Sriramulu would be merged with the BJP very soon.
Two of the BSR Congress MLAs including Sriramulu's nephew Suresh Babu, also an MLA from the party, are currently in jail for their alleged involvement in illegal mining. The state BJP however contended that if the Congress can have an alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav of RJD, there was no problem in taking Sriramulu back. Sources said that Sriramulu may be fielded from Bellary. The state BJP also pointed out that Sriramulu has no cases against him and hence there was no reason not to merge.