Reddy, in the presence of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, BJP State President BY Vijayendra, former Minister B Sriramulu, and other party members, officially merged his Kalayan Rajya Pragati Paksha (KRPP) with the BJP. This move is anticipated to bolster the saffron party’s presence in certain parts of the Kalyana Karnataka region.
Expressing his commitment to the BJP, Reddy stated, “I am rejoining the party without any personal expectations.” Just a month prior, he had extended support to the Congress during the Rajya Sabha elections. Reddy, known for his association with late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj, has a longstanding relationship with the BJP, dating back to Sushma’s electoral campaign in Ballari in 1999.
Despite facing legal challenges related to illegal mining in 2011, Reddy remained inactive in politics until recently. In 2022, he established his own party, fielding candidates in the 2023 Assembly polls.
Reddy’s return to the BJP fold is expected to bolster the party’s prospects in the Kalyana Karnataka region, particularly in Ballari, Koppal, and Raichur. He also holds influence in Davanagere and Chitradurga Lok Sabha constituencies. His party, KRPP, garnered significant voter support in several constituencies during the 2023 elections.
Welcoming Reddy back into the BJP, Vijayendra emphasized the potential for increased voter support in Kalyana Karnataka. “Reddy’s aim in rejoining the party is to contribute to the re-election of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister,” Vijayendra remarked.
Reddy expressed gratitude towards Yediyurappa for his support early in his political career, noting the significance of rejoining the party under the leadership of Yediyurappa’s son as the State President. He disclosed that Union Minister Amit Shah personally invited him to rejoin the BJP, a decision he readily embraced.
