Raipur, Nov 11: In a setback to the BJP ahead of assembly elections in Chhattisgarh P R Khunte, a scheduled caste MP of the party today joined the ruling Congress in the state. "I left BJP today as I want Ajit Jogi to be the chief minister for the second time in the state," Kunte, Member of Parliament from Sarangarh Lok Sabha constituency told reporters here at a joint press conference with Chattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi and AICC secretary Sarfaroz Ahmed.

Coming down heavily on BJP, he said the party neither has a leader who can become the chief minister nor any issue for which the people of the state will vote for them in the coming assembly elections.


I am joining the congress today to struggle for the betterment of the state, Khunte said adding, "I have joined him (Jogi) to strengthen his hands".

Khunte said that he will not resign from the membership of Parliament and would work to ensure the victory of the Congress in the eight assembly segments that fall with in his Lok Sabha seat.

Chief Minister Ajit Jogi told reporters that Khunte's joining Congress is a significant political development as he has strong influence in some areas of the state.

Bureau Report