Karnataka: Setback For AAP As Party Leader Bhaskar Rao Joins BJP In Bengaluru

After announcing his move, he stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision has inspired him to join the party.

AAP leader Bhaskar Rao joined BJP in Bengaluru.

Former Police Commissioner of Bengaluru and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Bhaskar Rao joined Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday. Bhaskar Rao joined AAP in April last year in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. After announcing his move, he stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision has inspired him to join the party.

After joining the BJP in the presence of BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel on Wednesday, the retired IPS officer said only BJP can strengthen India and bring back the lost glory.

“We all should join hands to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is striving to make ‘Ek Bharat, Samruddh Bharat’ (One India, Prosperous India). I am also impressed by the prominence given to youth and women in the BJP,” Rao said as quoted by PTI.

"I think I can contribute more to BJP. It has a huge pan-India presence. PM Modi's vision inspired me to join the party. AAP isn't distant to grow, they are in hands of a coterie, it's shameful two of their ministers are in jail. There's no clarity in party," Bhaskar Rao said as quoted by news agency ANI.

Bengaluru: I think I can contribute more to BJP. It has huge pan-India presence. PM Modi's vision inspired me to join the party. AAP isn't distant to grow, they are in hands of a coterie, it's shameful two of their ministers are in jail. There's no clarity in party: Bhaskar Rao https://t.co/tgV5MjKSOG pic.twitter.com/oV6fdOG1g7

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2023

Bhaskar Rao was recently appointed as AAP's manifesto committee chairperson, said a Deccan Herald report. His move came as he is said to be unhappy with AAP due to its "refusal to grow".

Rao's resignation comes ahead of Arvind Kejriwal's visit to Davangere in Karnataka on March 4. Earlier on Monday, PM Modi made a visit to Karnataka's Shivamogga and Belagavi to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for the development works for several projects.