JD(S) leader Abdul Azeem quits party, to join BJP on November 5

Bengaluru, Nov 2: Former police officer and Janata Dal (Secular) Secretary General Abdul Azeem on Sunday quit the party and said he would join the BJP on November 5.

Speaking to reporters here, he said his supporters and well wishers had backed his decision to join BJP and that he would do so at the state headquarters that day.

A former member of the Legislative Council, Azeem resigned from the primary membership of the party and submitted his resignation to JD(S) National President H D Deve Gowda.

Azeem had several times in the past openly criticised JD(S) and its leadership, specifically former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, for his style of functioning and handling of party affairs.

He had expressed displeasure during the audio CD controversy involving Kumaraswamy where the former chief minister purportedly discussed cash-for-seat with supporters of an MLC seat aspirant.

Azeem had also expressed displeasure on not being inducted into the newly constituted core committee of JD(S). JD(S) sources, who did not wish to be named, confirmed Azeem's resignation and alleged he was involved in dissident activities for some time.

The party had strong views about his activities but had not taken any action as the state president, who has powers to do so on such matters, was yet to be appointed, they said.

The post of JD(S) state President's has been lying vacant since the death of A Krishnappa in April.

PTI