Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 26: Former minister and disqualified legislator R Roshan Baig, who had stayed away from getting involved with bypoll in Shivajinagar constituency after his disqualification and related developments, came out in the open support of the BJP on Monday November 25.

Baig inaugurated the election office of the BJP for Shivajinagar constituency and gave clear indication of having switched sides. He showered lavish praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on this occasion, and urged the Muslims to support the BJP for the cause of the country.

Baig had revolted against former chief minister, Siddaramaiah and other party leaders after which he was disqualified once he tendered his resignation from the membership of the assembly from Shivajinagar. The BJP did not issue him a ticket for the bypoll, although the other 14 disqualified MLAs were fielded by it. He was frustrated and decided to stay away from electoral politics for the present.

On this occasion, the BJP fielded former BBMP corporator Sharavana, who is considered close to Baig, from Shivajinagar constituency. Baig, who stayed silent thereafter, broke his long silence by inaugurating the BJP's election office.

There are rumours that he will be made MLC by the BJP soon.