N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, the last Chief Minister of unified Andhra Pradesh (AP), joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, party’s national general secretary Arun Singh and OBC Morcha national president K. Laxman at New Delhi on Friday.

Reddy's decision to join the BJP comes ahead of the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh next year, where the ruling YSR Congress and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party are locked in a bitter contest. The move could potentially tip the scales in favour of the BJP, which is hoping to make inroads in the state.

The 62-year-old politician had resigned from the Congress once before in 2014, after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, and formed his party, 'Jai Samaikyandhra'. However, he failed to make an electoral impact in the 2014 polls. He later rejoined the Congress in 2018 but remained inactive in politics for a long time.

"They believe they are correct and all others, including the people of India, are wrong," he said.

Kiran Reddy further stated that they want to control but don't want to work hard or take responsibility, according to the four-time former MLA, who left the Congress last month.
Reddy said he never dreamed he would leave the Congress, citing his family's six-decade association with the party.

Kiran Kumar Reddy said he was impressed by the manner in which BJP reached a commanding position and was prepared to discharge any responsibility given to him.