PM’s step-brother joins BJP

Lok Sabha elections in Punjab are due in one phase on April 30.

Daljit Singh Kohli, the step-brother of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Friday evening joined the BJP during Narendra Modi’s rally in Amritsar. Welcoming him into the party fold, Modi said his entry would strengthen the BJP. He also said the party would fulfil his aspirations and dreams.

“The BJP is not a membership party but a relationship party,” Modi said. While Daljit could not be reached for comment, his elder brother Surjit Kohli said he learnt about the development through media reports. “We are four brothers and six sisters. Except for him (Daljit), all are Congress supporters,” said Surjit. He said Daljit is a businessman dealing in garments.

Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley, a Lok Sabha candidate from Amritsar, also welcomed Kohli.

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PMO sources said the PM’s family was “shocked” at development. “His intentions are not known but he is free to pursue his political career,” sources said, adding that the PM and Kohli have not been in touch.

Manmohan Singh had Thursday dismissed that there was any ‘Modi wave’ in the country. “I don’t think there is any Modi wave. It is the creation of the media. The country has not been swept by any Modi wave,” the prime minister had said.

Lok Sabha elections in Punjab are due in one phase on April 30. – with PTI inputs