New Delhi, March 19 (IANS): Popular stand-up comedian and actor Raju Srivastava Wednesday joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), saying it "is the future of Indian politics".

"I think the country has given 60 years to Congress. We must now give the 61st year to Narendra Modi," Srivastava told IANS, soon after he was admitted into the party here.

"The BJP is the future of Indian politics now," he added.

Srivastava said he decided against joining the Samajwadi Party despite being offered a Lok Sabha candidature because that "party lacks discipline and I believe I was not supported equally in the party".

Srivastava, who played small character roles in films such as "Tezaab", "Maine Pyar Kiya" and "Baazigar", rose to fame with the television show "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge".

Srivastava tickled the funny bone of the Indian audience with his real life like characters from small towns.

He and his wife were also part of "Nach Baliye 6", a celebrity couple dance show on television. He had small roles in "Big Boss", "Shaktimaan" as well as "Adaalat".

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