Rana, a Thakur leader from Saharanpur who was expelled from BSP earlier this year, had a stint in Samajwadi Party too and was earlier a minister in the state government.
He was inducted into the saffron outfit by its UP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, who alleged the state's law and order had "collapsed" under the Samajwadi Party government and people wanted BJP in power.
The state is going to the polls early next year and Rana's entry is a shot in the arm for the party in western UP where it has emerged as a strong force since 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
"I have faith in the developmental politics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and want to work for BJP," he said.
Maurya alleged both SP and BSP had become synonymous with corruption and BJP will put the state on the path to development if elected to power.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%