Shimoga (Karnataka): Lavishing praise on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and attacking Congress, former Chief Minister and Congress strongman S Bangarappa today (Mar 2, 2004) gave strong indications of his intention to join BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

At a public meeting in his home district two days after he said he would quit the Congress, Bangarappa held a lotus flower, BJP symbol, in his hand and asked the people to strengthen it, leaving no one in doubt about his next move.

Sources close to Bangarappa said he was expected to formally announce his decision to join the BJP in Delhi tomorrow (Mar 3, 2004) and join the party in the presence of Vajpayee.

Attacking the Congress as a "sinking ship", Bangarappa said its president Sonia Gandhi could not lead the country.

"BJP had changed considerably and it was not an untouchable party," Bangarappa said, even as he showered praise on the leadership of Vajpayee, describing him as the "best leader" in the world.

He said Vajpayee had not only improved Indo-Pak relations, paving the way for cricket tour of Pakistan, but also developed confidence among Muslims and other minorities.

Bangarappa said BJP would do more to the minorities than what the Congress did in the past.