BJP likely to admit leaders who do not face criminal cases

BJP today said it would consider admitting any leader, including former Karnataka minister Sriramulu, if they do not face any criminal case.
"As far as the question of Reddys with Ramuluji is concerned, BJP would not accept those who are facing crime- related cases. If Ramuluji and one or two of his colleagues, who have no case against them, wishes to join the party, then it will be considered," party general secretary Thawarchand Gehlot told reporters here.
"BJP's position in Karnataka is good. We would win two- third of the seats in Karnataka during the Lok Sabha elections. As far as the question of merger of Ramuluji's party is concerned, he has made a proposal. But, no issue with regard to that proposal is under consideration with the top leadership of BJP.

"When the proposal comes, the party would consider it as per its constitutional provisions. If a broad acceptance is found, then the party would agree to it," Gehlot said.
Earlier, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj had opposed Sriramulu merging his party with the BJP.
Asked about the allegation that the BJP had followed double standards about fielding tainted leaders by giving a ticket to B S Yeddyurappa, he said the former Karnataka Chief Minister had not been chargesheeted.

Gehlot addressed a press conference with Udit Raj, who joined the BJP recently.
Speaking on the occasion, Raj said that Dalits and Adivasis should not fall victim to the propaganda that the BJP is against them.

He said that the NDA government, headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, made some constitutional amendments and restored reservation benefits when certain anti-reservation orders were passed in 1997.