'No merger with BJP' but will back NDA under Modi,' says Yeddyurappa

Asserting that there is no question of merging Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former state chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Thursday said that his party would support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and back its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

"We have unanimously decided that we will not be merging with BJP or any party, but will support NDA," Yeddyurappa told media here.

"We would remain an individual entity and support the NDA. There is also no question of me joining the BJP," he added.

Yeddyurappa, who had to resign from the post of Karnataka Chief Minister after he was indicted in a graft case by the Lokayukta, said: "The KJP will face the parliamentary elections in 2014 as part of the NDA. We will put in our best efforts to ensure that Narendra Modi wins the election."

Yeddyurappa had earlier welcomed the BJP's move to announce Modi as its prime ministerial candidate, and said the Gujarat Chief Minister has acquired wide acceptability and mass appeal just like former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"His achievements as Chief Minister of Gujarat have made him popular among young people, among farmers and several other sections of society across the country. Just like Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji, Modiji has acquired wide acceptability and mass appeal," said Yeddyurappa.

"People hope for a new vibrant India under the able leadership of Modiji. His latest endorsement is only a stepping stone to a vital future," he added.

The Lingayat strongman walked out of the BJP after being compelled to quit the chief minister's post over corruption charges and floated his own party ahead of the assembly election that witnessed Congress coming back to power in the southern state.