Former Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy joins BJP

Bengaluru: Former Congress MLA from Pulakeshi Nagar R Akhanda Srinivas Murthy, joined the BJP on Wednesday.

He had quit the Congress after being denied a ticket to contest the Assembly elections last year.

Murthy subsequently entered the fray on a BSP ticket but lost.

He was welcomed into the party fold by BJP veteran and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, among other leaders.

Pulakeshinagar Assembly constituency comes under Bangalore North Lok Sabha segment, from where Karandlaje is contesting in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

"Srinivas Murthy joining BJP before the elections has given the party a big strength," Yediyurappa said on the occasion. "Shobha Karandlaje winning with a margin of 2.5 lakh to three lakh votes is certain."