In a setback to Congress, senior tribal leader Uike joins BJP in presence of Shah

Bilaspur:In a major political development, senior Congress leader Ramdayal Uike on Saturday joined BJP and described his return to the saffron party as 'Ghar Wapsi'.Mr Uike joined BJP in the presence of BJP national president Amit Shah and Chief Minister Raman Singh.

The Chief Minister said Mr Uike, who was elected MLA of Pali Tanakhar on Congress ticket in 2013 after winning with a margin of over 28,000 votes, was feeling "suffocated there"."Now he will heave a sigh of relief and enjoy the freedom as ensured for all BJP workers," a source said quoting the Chief Minister.

Mr  Singh said there is no assurance for ticket to Mr Uike as he decided to join the BJP unconditionally. Taken aback, Chhattisgarh Congress chief Bhupesh Bhaghel said-  "We met a few days ago but Ramdey Uike did not say anything".

Mr Uike is a key tribal leader from the Bilaspur-Korba district and could help tilt a substantial tribal votes in favour of the Lotus party.Mr Uike is a four-time legislator from Pali in Chhattisgarh.

Mr Shah, who is on a two-day visit to the state from Friday, addressed a meeting of BJP booth workers in the Bilaspur town and urged the party workers to create an environment for a "massive win" in Chhattisgarh.(UNI)