Ahead of polls in Telangana, Hindu Vahini seer joins BJP
The BJP has been desperately trying to expand its base in the South from where it recently lost a key ally, TDP.
New Delhi: Swami Paripoornan-anda, known as the “Yogi of the South” and seen by many as a polarising figure, formally joined BJP on Friday in the presence of party president Amit Shah.
Considered close to the Sangh Parivar, the head of Kakinada based Shree Peetham joining the saffron fold has led to speculations that he could either contest the Assembly polls in Telangana from the Greater Hyderabad region or contest the coming Lok Sabha polls from Hyderabad, which is considered as the bastion of the AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi.
The BJP has been desperately trying to expand its base in the South from where it recently lost a key ally, TDP. Assembly poll in Telangana is scheduled on December 7.
The head of the Shree Peetham and founder of the Hindu Vahini, Swami Paripoornanada has a major influence over the tribal of the region and has a significant number of followers in the South.
Mr Shah said Swami Paripoornananda has made a big contribution in the fields of social service and religious activities in South India and his presence in the party will strengthen it a lot, especially in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
“His joining the BJP will infuse new energy into the party and boost its election prospects in Telangana,” said Mr Shah.