BSY rules out merger, to campaign for BJP

The KJP president B S Yeddyurappa on Friday reiterated that he will retain the identity of his party and ruled out merger with the BJP even if it is sought by the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the KJP state-level youth working committee meeting here, Yeddyurappa said that his party would support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha polls to ensure that Modi becomes the next prime minister.

Yeddyurappa said he was still unhappy with the attitude of the BJP leaders, but said he would campaign for the BJP candidates if required to ensure the victory of the NDA in the Lok Sabha polls.

In an interview to a television channel, Yeddyurappa said he would not mind campaigning for even his worst enemy in the next Lok Sabha elections in case the BJP desires his services. “I would not mind even campaigning for Ananth Kumar. Because, in the interest of the country I am ready to do anything,” he added.

Asked why he was not willing to merge his party with the BJP, Yeddyurappa said, “Why should I? I would not like to get into such a situation that neither I am in the BJP nor the KJP. Why should I invite a problem? Those workers and leaders who trusted me and joined the KJP should not be left in the lurch.”

He also said that he nurtured no ambition to become chief minister again or to occupy some position at the national level. Therefore, even if he gets a red carpet welcome by the BJP he would not join that party. “I would not like to talk to the BJP leaders at the state level. My talks, if held, would be only at Delhi level. Anyhow, no one has requested me to join the BJP,” he said.