Udupi : The expelled Congress leader Jayaprakash Hegde who joined BJP officially said he would continue to follow his conscience and simultaneously value the party ideology he embraced ensuring the wining spree in the coastal belt.

Addressing the party workers at the BJP office here on Tuesday, the former Parliamentarian said that change is a natural phenomenon and there is a need to adjust to the changes adapted. He said his supporters also will join the BJP and it was their unanimous opinion that compelled him to embrace BJP. He had left all decision to his followers and decided that he would abide by the decision taken by them. It was those people who forced him to join the BJP, said Hegde.

He said he had worked for the formation of the district during the tenure of former chief minister J H Patil. Expressing his deep solidarity with the former minister and veteran BJP leader late V S Acharya, Hegde said he had always been impressed by the working style of the great leader. He said Acharya was one of the politicians whom he respects and follows.

He added that he would walk all along the path of the BJP with strong commitment. The BJP aims to gain 150 seats at least in the forthcoming Assembly elections. If the dream has to be realised, it is essential to strengthen the BJP in the coastal belt, he pointed out.

Hegde added that he would also work in Chikkamagaluru as he represented the constituency during his tenure as MP. He would play a balanced act and his deeds in future would reflect his mindset and commitment for the accepted challenge, he promised.

BJP is planning to organise Parivarthan Rally, which would usher in new beginning. Many followers of Hegde will join the BJP in the presence of the BJP leaders on March 25 at Chitranjan Circle, said BJP district president Mattar Ratnakar Hegde.