New Delhi: In a big jolt to the Congress party ahead of the crucial assembly elections here, its senior leader Krishna Tirath on Monday joined BJP.
Confirming the development, Tirath said, “I have decided to join the party as a people's representative. The BJP central leadership will decide on my future role in the party.”
Tirath also confirmed her meeting with BJP chief Amit Shah at his residence this morning.
Tirath's induction is likely to consolidate party's Dalit vote bank. Tirath has been a Congress legislator and represented the north-west Lok Sabha constituency in past.
The veteran leader is likely to contest the assembly polls on BJP ticket, sources said.
Tirath had served as the union minister of State for Women and Child Development in the Manmohan Singh government.
She will be formally inducted in BJP later this evening.
