New Delhi, Mar 19 (Agencies): Former Congress leader Jagdambika Pal and popular stand-up comedian Raju Srivastava on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of crucial Lok Sabha polls.
 
“I welcome Jagdambika Pal and Raju Srivastav into the party,” BJP chief Rajnath Singh said on the occasion, adding, “Their entry will add to the strength of the party.”

Former Congress MP and Uttar Pradesh unit chief Jagdambika Pal had earlier this month resigned from the Lok Sabha as well as from the party, saying that the emerging leadership did not need leaders like him.

Pal, 63, has also been a three-time legislator and minister in the state.

Meanwhile, Raju Srivastava had on March 11 returned the Samajwadi Party Lok Sabha ticket to contest from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

Srivastava returned the Samajwadi Party Lok Sabha ticket, saying he was not getting enough support from the local units of the ruling party.

Srivastava was given the party ticket in 2013 and had already started his election campaign.

Sources said Srivastava was unhappy with the local leaders who had refused to promote him and help him expand base. While the SP leadership, including party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, apparently asked him to continue with the party.

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