Former BJP MLA Ram Iqbal Singh joins Samajwadi Party

Ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections, former BJP MLA and member of the party's state executive Ram Iqbal Singh joined the Samajwadi Party on Monday. Known as a firebrand leader, Singh has been a vocal critique of the saffron party. He had voiced his criticism on key issues, including the October 3 Lakhimpur Kheri violence and IT raids on SP leaders.

"I had been talking on issues, but no one was willing to listen or respond. What is the point of staying in a party where you are not even taken note of and no one gives you a ear," he told reporters.

Being a well-known Thakur leader from Ballia wielding considerable influence, Singh's joining is expected to strengthen the SP in the region and amongst the Thakur community.