New Delhi, July 8: In a major jolt to the Congress, one of the party's top Muslim leader in Karnataka and legislator Roshan Baig has decided to quit and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Baig's announcement comes amid the resignation of 13 MLAs of the Congress-JD(S) combine, bringing the coalition government to the brink.

Baig blamed the Congress state unit for his decision to quit. "The state leadership has failed, there is no accountability," he said. The multi-term legislator was recently suspended by the grand old party for his controversial remarks following the Lok Sabha election results. 'Muslims Must Join Hands With BJP if Need Arises', Says Baig.

"I'm hurt by the way Congress has treated me and suspended me as I spoke bitter truth," Baig said, referring to his claim that the Congress has lost support of all sections of the society.

The Shivajinagar MLA had trained the guns at the Congress for issuing ticket to only Muslim candidate in Karnataka, claiming that the party has humiliated the community by inadequately representing them. Baig had also hit out at Congress' Karnataka in-charge KK Venugopal, calling him a "buffoon".

Taking cognizance of his remarks, the Congress had last month suspended Baig charging him with "anti-party activities".

According to Baig, he is touch with the rival BJP and will openly jump ship to the saffron camp. Unlike a dozen of dissidents who have went into a huddle in Mumbai, he would remain in Bengaluru and stick to his decision.

"I am not going to either Mumbai or Goa, I am in Bengaluru. I am going to resign from MLA post.They (BJP) are in touch with me," he said.

On being asked whether he would join the BJP despite the party's negative perception among the minorities, Baig said he is not changing his faith but only a political party.

Update by ANI:

Baig had hinted his decision to join the BJP shortly after the general elections, when he appealed the Muslim community to look beyond the Congress and possibly towards the BJP for the betterment of the community.

"If needs be, (Muslims) must join hands. We must not remain loyal to one party. What happened to Muslims in Karnataka? The Congress gave just one seat," he had said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2019 09:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).