Siddapur, DHNS: Shashibhushan Hegde who contested the previous Assembly election from Sirsi-Siddapur constituency as a JD(S) candidate officially joined the BJP along with his supporters on Monday.

BJP State President Nalin Kumar Kateel received Hegde to the party fold at a function held in Bengaluru. Union Ministers Bhagwanth Khuba, Shobha Karandlaje and others were present on the occasion.

Speaking after joining the BJP, Hegde said that in the current political scenario where national parties like BJP and Congress are at the forefront, it is difficult to nurture regional parties.

He joined BJP as per the insistence of supporters and advice of well-wishers.

But this will not lower his respect for JD(S) and its leader Kumaraswamy.