Expelled BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui joins Congress
What's the story
Former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui who was once the close aide of party chief Mayawati, on Thursday formally joined the Congress party, along with some other former Uttar Pradesh ministers.
To this, the Congress party said the development implied "changing times" in its favor.
Besides Siddiqui, three former UP ministers, including OP Singh, Liyaqat Ali, and ex-MLAs also joined the party.
The announcement
This implies changing times: Ghulam Nabi Azad
This announcement was made by All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge for UP, Ghulam Nabi Azad and UP Congress chief, Raj Babbar.
During a briefing at AICC headquarters, Azad said, "We welcome these leaders and their supporters. This implies changing times."
Meanwhile, several of Siddiqui's supporters had gathered at the AICC head office in large numbers as he entered the UPA major.
Details
Siddiqui was expelled on May 10 last year
Siddiqui also announced that the Rashtriya Bahujan Morcha, he floated after being expelled was merged with the Congress.
He was expelled on May 10 last year for allegedly carrying out anti-party activities in the wake of its debacle in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.
Maharashtra BJP MP, Nana Patole who joined BJP before the 2014 general elections also joined back the Congress last month.