Bangalore, December 25: Mining baron and former BJP minister Gali Janardhana Reddy chose Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 98th birth anniversary to announce the launching his regional political outfit named Karnataka Rajya Pragathi Paksha – loosely translated as Karnataka State Progressive Party.
Speaking to the media at his Bangalore residence “Parijatha” on Sunday, Reddy said his party’s principles and ideology will be that of Vajpayee’s ideals and dreams of a well-developed state.
“That’s the reason I have named my party as progressive party. I will aim at developing Karnataka as a fully-developed state with social justice as our motto,” Janardhana Reddy added.
Reddy was all praise for former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa but was silent on other BJP leaders.
“Yediyurappa is like my father. But there are certain hidden hands in BJP that ensured that I do not come up and stage a come back,” the mining baron added.
Reddy, however, did not name or mention the name of the hidden hand. Replying to a question, Reddy said he has not invited any BJP leader to join his party but his party’s doors are open for anybody to join.
“Those who join must be dedicated to work for the development of Karnataka on the path chosen by Atal ji. Progress of the state is our main agenda,” he said.
Janardhana Reddy said he intends to contest the coming Assembly elections from Gangavathi constituency.
“During next week, I will visit Delhi for a meeting with Election Commission. The party will be registered, symbol and flag will be finalized. Very soon, I will come out with the agenda for the development of the state” he explained.
