GPP MLA may join BJP, campaigns for ruling party in bypolls

In a blow to Keshubhai Patel's newly formed Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP), an MLA from the party has indicated that he may join the ruling BJP.
GPP, formed by former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel a few months prior to the state Assembly elections held in December last year, had won two seats in the polls.
Keshubhai won the Visavadar seat and Nalin Kotadiya emerged as the winner on Dhari Assembly seat.
"At a time, when everyone is wanting Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to become the Prime Minister on the bank of his development work in the state, I'm impressed with the progress of the state under his rule," Kotadiya told PTI.

Kotadiya said that he inaugurated BJP's office at Virpur in Dhoraji constituency yesterday and also campaigned for ruling party's candidate Vithal Radadiya in Porbandar Lok Sabha constituency, in the run up to the by-elections slated to be held on two Lok Sabha and four Assembly seats on June 2.
Regarding his decision to join BJP, he said, "I have been invited by Modi to join the party but will discuss with his supporters before finalising a decision."

Kotadiya said that he joined GPP, expecting the newly-formed party to win at least 20-25 seats but now the entire political scenario has changed and the state government, under Modi, is ensuring development.

When asked about Kotadiya, GPP general secretary Gordhan Zadaphia said, "He has not joined BJP yet. When he joins BJP, we will take action against him."
GPP, which had been formed with the sole aim to defeat the Modi-led BJP in the Assembly polls, proved to be a non-starter as it managed to win just two seats in spite of fielding candidates in almost all 182 state constituencies.
By-polls to two Lok Sabha constituencies - Porbandar and Banaskantha - and four Assembly seats - Limbdi, Jetpur, Dhoraji and Morva Hadaf - will take place on June 2. Votes will be counted on June 5.