The local unit of BJP got a major setback today as its senior leader Maulana Mohammad Kasim former chairman of Minority Cell of BJP along with his 40 BJP workers joined the Congress. The leader has been with the BJP since last 15 years.

In a ceremony held at Rajiv Gandhi Congress Bhawan Sector 35 here this morning, the leader along with his supporters was welcomed by Congress candidate Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal and CTCC president, Mr. B.B. Bahl.

Soon after joining the party, Kasim said he was fed up of the BJP which has lost its earlier sheen and he had lost faith in BJP leadership. He said the Congress has worked for the city development and was proud to be a part of it today.

It was only yesterday that Local unit of BSP had got a jolt when its prominent leader Kunnu alias Jatinder Yadav along with his supporters joined the Congress. In a function at Sector 35 Rajiv Gandhi Congress Bhawan he joined the party along with hundreds of his supporters.Two BJP leaders Salememut and Ramlingam along with their supporters had also joined the Congress. 

Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal while welcoming the leader said it was a moment of pride for the Congress to welcome such a senior leader and his joining would further strengthen the party.

Meanwhile in the morning a Padyatra was taken out in Palsora colony where Mr. Bansal was welcomed by residents. The Congress supporters listed the achievements of the UPA government and said the city has emerged as an important destination internationally only because of efforts made by Mr. Bansal. Among prominent leaders present with him were Surinder Singh, Harmel Kesari, Om Parkash Saini and Chitranjan Chanchal.