The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka): Former Karnataka Minister and mining tycoon G. Janardhana Reddy has rejoined the BJP in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Reddy, who had previously formed the ‘Kalyana Rajya Pragati Paksha’ (KRPP) before the state assembly polls last year, reunited with the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders, including former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa and state President B. Y. Vijayendra.
He had recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, and despite extending support to a Congress candidate in the recent Rajya Sabha polls, he has now merged his party with the BJP.
Reddy’s political activity had been relatively low-key for about 12 years following his arrest by the CBI in connection with an illegal mining case. Despite his tumultuous relationship with the BJP, including a period of disassociation emphasized by former BJP national president Amit Shah, Reddy’s return is significant given his influence in areas like Ballari district.
Reddy’s influence could prove beneficial for the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, particularly in regions like Ballari, Chitradurga, Koppal, and Raichur. His legal troubles stem from accusations related to illegal mining activities, with several conditions imposed on him by the Supreme Court, including restrictions on visiting certain areas.
Reddy’s decision to rejoin the BJP comes after expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s treatment of him, prompting him to form his own party last year. His political journey began during the 1999 Lok Sabha elections when he campaigned for late BJP leader Sushma Swaraj in Ballari against Congress’ Sonia Gandhi. Reddy’s return to the BJP fold could have significant implications for the political landscape in Karnataka as the state gears up for the Lok Sabha elections.