UKD faction merges with BJP

The Diwakar faction of the
Uttarakhand Kranti Dal today merged with the BJP ahead of next year's elections in the state.
Leader of the faction Diwakar Bhatt,who was among the frontline leaders of Uttarakhand statehood movement, merged with the BJP along with scores of his supporters at a programme held at the party office here in the presence of Pradesh BJP president Ajay Bhatt.
Diwakar wields considerable influence in Garhwal region and his merger with BJP is being seen as a shot in the arm for the party ahead of next year's polls.
A minister during B C Khanduri's tenure Diwakar said bold steps in national interest taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inspired him to join the BJP.

Welcoming him into the party fold pradesh BJP president Ajay Bhatt said his entry will strengthen the party and expand its support base.
Though faction ridden now, UKD is a prominent regional party of Uttarakhand which had played a crucial role in its bifurcation from Uttar Pradesh.