Bengaluru: Veteran Congress leader and former minister Baburao Chinchansur joined the BJP party on Wednesday in the presence of state BJP president BS Yeddyurappa and Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Niranjan Jyoti.

A two-time MLA from Gurmitkal constituency, Chinchansur, who belongs to the Koli Kabbaliga community had risen to the post of Textile Minister in former CM Siddaramaiah’s cabinet. He was however dropped form Siddaramaiahs’s cabinet in the year 2016. In the recently held state assembly elections, he was defeated by JD(S) candidate Naganagowda Kandkur by a margin of 25,000 votes.

Speaking to media persons Chinchsaur said that he decided to switch his loyalty after being sidelined by the Congress party. He further stated that the Congress had not recognised the Koli Kabbaliga community even after 70 years of Independence. On the contrary the BJP has recognised the party and even made Ramnath Kovind the President, and also made Niranjan Jyoti a minister, he said adding that he aims to bring the Koli Kabbaliga community under the Scheduled Tribes category.

He also alleged that few Congress leaders had conspired for his defeat him in the recently held elections.

Meanwhile Baburao’s switch, ahead of the 2019 elections could be beneficial for the saffron party which is looking to strengthen its base in the Hyderabad- Karnataka region.