Lucknow, Mar 18: In a setback to the Uttar Pradesh BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, former party MLC and 'rebel leader' Ramashish Rai today joined the Congress. The AICC had recently announced the decision in New Delhi, but Rai, a former BJP Youth Wing national president, joined the party here today.
Rai was among several BJP legislators who had revolted against the party's decision to tie up with Mayawati's BSP to form a government in the state after the 2002 assembly elections.
Trouble started in the state BJP after Mayawati expanded her ministry in October, 2002. Several BJP legislators, failing to get a ''reasonable'' representation in the ministry had formed a 'BJP Bachao Samiti' and had revolted against legislature party leader Lalji Tandon for favouring Mayawati's policies.
Rai said the Congress was the only party which could provide a stable government in the country.
He also went on to warn Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee against people who were ''out to foment trouble in the BJP in his name.'' ''He should remain alert from certain leaders in Uttar Pradesh who would soon take the BJP to its grave,'' he added.
After his term as a member of the Legislative Council ended, the BJP had removed him from the party. Rai had tried to get closer to former chief minister Kalyan Singh after his removal.
But his efforts to arrive at an understanding with the Lodh leader failed when Singh rejoined the BJP.
Bureau Report