BJP refuses merger of BSR Congress, but fields its leader from Bellary

Sreeramulu told PTI that he has been conveyed by the BJP leadership about his ticket and said his party was ready for a merger.

BSR Congress has been keen on merging with BJP but Swaraj had last week publicly articulated her opposition to the entry of Sreeramalu and Reddy brothers into the party-fold.

She had also written to party chief Rajnath Singh, saying such ‘tainted' leaders should not be allowed to be associated with the party.

”BJP Parliamentary Board has decided against the merger of BSR Congress.

But it has allowed some of its leaders to join the BJP-fold. However, each leader's credentials will be screened and only such people will be allowed to join the party who are not tainted, have no cases and have a good public image,” a senior BJP leader said.