Talks on for joining BJP: Jaya Prada

She fought the 2014 Lok Sabha election on a Rashtriya Lok Dal ticket from Bijnor but lost to a BJP candidate

Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jan 30 2015 | 4:18 PM IST
Actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who was expelled from the Samajwadi Party, today said that talks were on with senior leaders of the BJP on her joining the party, and that she wanted to do so to "serve" it and not to contest any elections.

"I want to join BJP as a party worker. I am not craving for any post or opportunity to contest any elections," she said.

Asked about earlier reports that she was likely to be have been pitted against AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal if she had joined BJP, Prada said, "I never said so, I expressed that I wished to join BJP but it was highlighted by the media. I never talked about any ticket distribution."

Claiming that she had bitter experiences working with Mulayam Singh Yadav when she was in the Samajwadi party, Prada said, "I want to work under the leadership of Narendra Modi now. I want healthy politics, I do not wish to cry anymore in politics."

"I have worked with NT Rama Rao, Chandra Babu and with Mulayam Singh Yadav too and with SP particularly I had bitter experiences in my 10-year tenure at Rampur. When I suggested that girls should be given English and computer education, Yadav refused to agree with the point and said its not preferable for girls," she said.

"When we are competing with western India how can we not think of these issues. I am impressed with Narendra Modi's leadership, the way he is taking India ahead and encouraging others to do so," added Prada who was here to inaugurate a function at a school.

The former MP said that talks with the BJP on this matter are on.

"Talks are on with all big leaders in BJP. Its not at my level...But at an upper level. My mentor, Amar Singhji is talking to them. The moment it is finalised, I will let everyone know," she said.

Prada, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, acted in about 70 films in Telugu, Hindi, and other Indian languages before entering into politics in the 1990s. She has been with TDP, Samajwadi Party and RLD in her political career so far.

She fought the 2014 Lok Sabha election on a Rashtriya Lok Dal ticket from Bijnor but lost to a BJP candidate.
*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

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 30 2015 | 3:59 PM IST

Next Story