<p>Former Odisha chief minister Giridhar Gamang, whose single vote caused the Vajpayee government to collapse in 1999 leading to fresh Lok Sabha elections, has decided to join the BJP.<br /><br /></p>.<p>After quitting the Congress last month end, Gamang met BJP chief Amit Shah here on Friday as he said he was impressed with saffron party’s “political strategy”.<br /><br />“I have decided to join the BJP, but I will join formally soon. It will be decided by the state unit soon. I had met Amit Shah today and made my plea which has been accepted by the party leadership,” Gamang said emerging from an hour-long meeting with Shah.<br /><br />The former chief minister said he opted for the BJP realising that “ there was my acceptance” despite having many options.<br /><br />“The BJP is a national party and now it has proved as an alternative to the Congress. The way they are having their strategy in Indian democracy, I think this new concept of political strategy...I like it as it is not only to be in power but also to serve people,” the nine-time MP told reporters.<br /><br />Veteran tribal leader of Odisha Gamang said he resigned after serving the Congress for 42 years since he felt humiliated by the party leadership. A senior BJP leader said he would be taken into the party since he is an important tribal face in Odisha.</p>
<p>Former Odisha chief minister Giridhar Gamang, whose single vote caused the Vajpayee government to collapse in 1999 leading to fresh Lok Sabha elections, has decided to join the BJP.<br /><br /></p>.<p>After quitting the Congress last month end, Gamang met BJP chief Amit Shah here on Friday as he said he was impressed with saffron party’s “political strategy”.<br /><br />“I have decided to join the BJP, but I will join formally soon. It will be decided by the state unit soon. I had met Amit Shah today and made my plea which has been accepted by the party leadership,” Gamang said emerging from an hour-long meeting with Shah.<br /><br />The former chief minister said he opted for the BJP realising that “ there was my acceptance” despite having many options.<br /><br />“The BJP is a national party and now it has proved as an alternative to the Congress. The way they are having their strategy in Indian democracy, I think this new concept of political strategy...I like it as it is not only to be in power but also to serve people,” the nine-time MP told reporters.<br /><br />Veteran tribal leader of Odisha Gamang said he resigned after serving the Congress for 42 years since he felt humiliated by the party leadership. A senior BJP leader said he would be taken into the party since he is an important tribal face in Odisha.</p>
