New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS): Ahead of next year's assembly polls, Uttarakhand MLA Pritam Singh Panwar on Wednesday joined BJP.

Panwar, an independent MLA from Dhanolti assembly constituency of the state, has joined the saffron camp in presence of union minister Smriti Irani, Uttarakhand BJP chief Madan Kaushik, party national media in-charge Anil Bauluni, newly appointed election co-incharge Sardar R.P. Singh at party national headquarters here.

Uttarakhand Kranti Dal leader Panwar was also elected from Yamunotri assembly seats in 2002 and 2012. He became a minister in the Congress government in 2012.

In the last assembly polls in 2017, Panwar was elected from the Dhanolti assembly seat as an independent candidate.

Welcoming Panwar in party, Kaushik said, "Panwar has fought for statehood of Uttarakhand and went to prison. He is an influential leader and he will be an asset to the BJP."

Union minister Irani said, "Inspired by Prime Minister Narednra Modi and with the blessings of our party president J.P. Nadda, Pritam ji has joined the BJP family. Uttarakhand is playing an important role in building a new India under the leadership of Prime Minister. Joining of Pritam Singh ji is one step towards realisation of the Prime Minister's vision of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas and sabka prayas'."

After joining the party, Panwar thanked Prime Minister Modi, BJP chief Nadda, and said, "I feel proud of joining world's largest party. I made a decision after giving a thoughtful consideration. Earlier, I also appreciated the BJP's endeavour for development of Uttarakhand. Now, we work together to speed up the development of the state. I will give my best to whatever responsibility is given to me."

"Prime Minister Modi has a close relationship with the state and provided all necessary central assistance for the development of Uttarakhand. Several projects like the development of Kedarnath, Chardham project, all weather roads to boost connectivity and tourism to generate employment and economic activities have been taken under Prime Minister's guidance. Budget has been allocated for rail connectivity of Chardham," he added.