BJP invites Yeddyurappa back into party; KJP to merge with BJP

Capping weeks of intensified efforts, decks were cleared for the merger of B S Yeddyurappa-led Karnataka Janata Paksha with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. Both parties jointly announced their union, declaring they would complete all the formalities within three or four days.

The much-expected merger announcement by Yeddyurappa came after a delegation of Karnataka BJP leaders met and formally invited him back to the party fold, thus setting the stage for the two parties to come together.

"We have decided to merge KJP with BJP," said Yeddyurappa, flanked by BJP national General Secretary Ananth Kumar, who was perceived to be his bitter rival, and his other senior colleagues, including state unit President Prahlad Joshi. Sources in BJP's central leadership said his return to the party fold is unconditional and he will not contest the coming Lok Sabha elections.

BJP extended the formal invitation to Yeddyurappa soon after it held the party's core committee meeting and proceeded to his house to welcome him back to the party, which he had deserted over a year ago and formed KJP.

Losing no time in accepting the invitation, Yeddyurappa announced the merger decision, saying, "All formalities will be completed within three or four days. From this minute, we both are going to work for winning more than 20 (of the 28) Lok Sabha seats in the state."