Bangalore: Former Karnataka chief secretary A Ravindra joined the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) today (Feb 23, 2004), lauding the achievements of the party-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance), particularly on economy and Forex reserves front and bringing development and governance to the forefront.

Karnataka BJP president H N Ananth Kumar said that Ravindra, who was in public service for 37 years, would prepare the party's "vision document" for the State.

Stating that there is in recent times change in political mindset, Ravindra, who had made a name as a good administrator, said that intellectuals, right-thinking and educated people should cash in on this development and seek to improve the political scenario.

Describing the BJP central leadership as "extremely good", he said it provides inspirational confidence for a better future and added that the second rung leadership of BJP is dynamic and forward-looking.

He said there were apprehensions about the NDA but the experiment has not only survived but made achievements.

Prosperity level in the country has gone up under NDA. The time has come for political reforms, and one could forward the agenda only through parties, Ravindra said.

While great strides have been made in the area of economy, Forex reserves and the sensex is looking up, concern over poverty, unemployment, primary health and education remain, Ravindra added.