Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (EP)

Bengaluru, Jun 15: In some solace for the Congress that had been seeing its members switch loyalties to other parties of late, MLA of Aland constituency, B R Patil, joined the Congress party on Wednesday, June 14. KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar and chief minister Siddaramaiah welcomed Patil at the party office.

Patil was elected under the former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa-led KJP party during the last Assembly elections. Patil remained in KJP even after Yeddyurappa returned to BJP.

"BJP is destroying democracy. It is RSS is controlling the administration in the name of BJP. Therefore, the followers of Basavanna should not join that party," said Patil after joining Congress.

"B R Patil has come to Congress as he has no other option. His decision was voluntary. JD(S) is not like before. It has become a party of a particular family. Patil did not have the desire to join the BJP," said chief minister Siddaramaiah.

"Congress will surely come to power if prohibition of liquor is included in the election manifesto. Liquor is available in hotels, petty shops and other places. Girls and woman also face problems due to alcohol abuse. Therefore, liquor sale should be curbed," urged Patil.

Executive president S R Patil, ministers M B Patil, Dr Sharana Parakash Patil, S S Mallikarjuna, H Anjaneya, MLAs Dr Umesh Jadhav, Dr Ajay Singh and others were present on occasion.