Danish Ali joins BSP

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, senior JD(S) leader Danish Ali joined the BSP on Saturday.

Ali, general secretary of the Janata Dal Secular, quit the party and joined the Bahujan Samaj Party before party national general secretary Satish Chandra Misra.

BSP sources said Ali is expected to be fielded by the BSP from Amroha in western Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking to newsmen, Ali said he had the blessings of JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda and was joining the BSP as both parties follow the same principles of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.

Ali, a native of Hapur district in Uttar Pradesh, said he was not able to set up the JD(S) here and now wanted to work in the state.

Ali said the JDS did not have a large organisational structure in Uttar Pradesh, which sends most lawmakers to the Parliament.

"JDS doesn't have a large organisational structure in UP. Despite all my efforts I could not raise it in my 'janmabhoomi, my 'karmabhoomi'... The way in which there is a threat to (the) Constitution today, it has become essential to use our energy under a strong leadership," Ali said.

Sharma said his role in the party will be decided by party president Mayawati.