Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Mar 19: Ballari-based entrepreneur Suresh Shetty Gurme on Thursday March 19 joined BJP in a simple ceremony held at the party office here.

BJP district president Thingale Vikramarjuna Hegde symbolically welcomed Suresh Shetty into the party by handing over the BJP flag and registering his name.

Suresh Shetty hails from Kaup. In the 2013 election, his name was making the rounds as a possible candidate from Congress party in Kaup constituency, but he failed to get the ticket. He then distanced himself from the Congress party but remained as a passive member, without involving himself in party activities.

Addressing the gathering, Suresh Shetty said, "Personally, I am inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his pro-people policies. After two long years since the last Assembly elections, BJP senior leaders offered me to join the district BJP. I have seen and experienced insults and doubts along with appreciation and honours. I have no interest in power or post; if the party gives me any responsibility, I will handle it with much interest and care. I have lost more than what I have gained in life."

Remembering the late Dr V S Acharya, Suresh Shetty said he was a model politician for all.

BJP spokesperson Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, Udaykumar Shetty, Suresh Nayak, Naveen Shetty Kutyar, Geethanjali Suvarna, Shyamala Kundar, State BJP Secretary, Sandhya Ramesh and others were present.