Former JD(S) MLC Abdul Azeem (extreme left) being welcomed into the BJP by leaders Prahlad Joshi, B S Yeddyurappa, Jagadish Shettar, V Somanna and others in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Photo: Nagaraja Gadekal, New Indian Express

Bengaluru: Former JD(S) Member of Legislative Council Abdul Azeem and Yoga Ramesh, who had contested unsuccessfully from Arkalgund Assembly constituency as an independent candidate, joined BJP along with their supporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

BJP senior leaders Pralhad Joshi, B S Yeddyurappa and Jagadish Shettar were among those present during the induction programme.

There was commotion inside the party office for nearly an hour as the supporters of Azeem and Ramesh, who had gathered in large numbers, refused to vacate the hall meant for briefing the media.

Azeem said that he had joined the BJP impressed by the policies and programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He blamed Congress for wedging a divide between Hindus and Muslims for political gains.

“I will bring at least 50 per cent Muslims into the party by removing the misconception Congress has spread among the community about the BJP,” he said.

BJP State President Pralhad Joshi said with Azeem joining the party it had shattered the myth that minorities were against the party.

Former ministers Suresh Kumar and V Somanna will also submit an internal report compiled by them on the irregularities in Arkavathi Layout denotification to Joshi on Thursday.