Bangalore: In a sudden development, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha member Vijay Sankeshwar on May 28 announced his decision to quit the party and float a regional political outfit.

Sankeshwar, who represents Dharwad North constituency, told reporters that he had already conveyed his decision to the Karnataka unit president Basavaraj Patil Sedam three days ago when he was in Hubli.

"BJP in Karnataka is sinking day by day," Sankeshwar, who runs the VRL transport group, said. The party in the state was not "gearing up" he said, but added that he had "no problem" with the BJP at the national level.

The new party would be akin to Telugu Desam and All Indian Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) with the goal of protecting the interests of Karnataka.

"Karnataka's interest should be protected. That is the aim," he said.

The name of the party and symbol would be decided after holding discussions with the "like minded people", said Sankeshwar, who is the owner, printer and publisher of 'Vijaya Karnataka', a leading Kannada daily, as also the English daily 'Vijay Times'.

He said the Congress was dominating in Karnataka but was not providing good governance. "There is no alternative party or opposition for Congress".

BJP and Congress, which were national parties were losing "ground and control" in the state, he said.

Apparently taken aback, Sedam declined to give immediate comment on Sankeshwar's decision, saying, "We are collecting the information".

According to party sources, efforts were on to persuade Sankeshwar to retrace his step.

PTI