Former Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia joins BJP

Scindia, who was the confidante of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, was inducted to the party in presence of BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda.

Scindia resigned as the Congress leader on Tuesday amid his differences with the party's top brass.

Welcoming the former Guna MP, Nadda said, "This (BJP) is a very democratic party where every individual has a say. I am sure he will have his own part in the BJP."

Hitting out at the Congress, Scindia said, "The Congress is not the same anymore. It is far away from reality."

After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Scindia left the Congress a day ago. 

In his resignation letter to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, Scindia said he was not able to work for people remaining in the party. 

In the resignation letter, Scindia wrote, "Having been a primary member of the Congress party for last 18 years, it is now time for me to move on. I am tendering my resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress and as you well know, this is a path that has been drawing itself out over the last year."

"While my aim and purpose remain the same as it has always been from the very beginning, to serve the people of my state and country, I believe I am unable to do this anymore within this party.

To reflect and realise the aspirations of my people and my workers I believe it is best that I now look ahead at a fresh start."

22 Congress MLAs of Madhya Pradesh, who are loyal to Scindia, have also submitted their resignations to Governor Lalji Tandon.

If the resignations are accepted, the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh will fall.

However, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said, "Majority of the rebel Congress MLAs are not willing to join the BJP."

Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who might return as the Chief Minister if the BJP assumes power, said, "I heartily welcome Jyotiraditya Scindia ji to the party. I am sure his induction will further strengthen the BJP."