Kiran Kumar Reddy, the last Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, on Friday joined the BJP, weeks after he quit the Congress.

He joined the party in the presence of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and hit out at the Congress leadership for its inability to accept people's verdict and make a course correction.

"They believe they are correct and all others, including the people of India, are wrong," he said, adding, "I never imagined that I would have to leave the party."

They want authority to control but don't want to work hard or take any responsibility, said the four-time former MLA, who quit the Congress last month.

"The Congress is getting damaged in all states and its high command does not interact with others or take their opinion," he added.

Reddy contrasted the rise of the BJP with the decline of the Congress since 1984 and lauded the ruling party's leaders led by Modi for their hard work and commitment towards the nation.

"They have clarity of thought and consistency, and taking courageous decisions is the hallmark of the government," he said.

Reddy also lauded PM Modi's commitment to fighting corruption.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "Many members of Kiran Kumar Reddy's family were in Congress. When I met him some time ago, he told me that he was influenced by PM Modi. Today he is taking a big leap and joining the BJP. He will strengthen our fight against corruption because his image as an MLA and minister has been very clean. It will be a big boost for BJP in Andhra Pradesh."

In a one-line letter of resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge last month, Reddy wrote: "Please accept this letter as my resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress."

Kiran Kumar Reddy, who had opposed the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, quit the Congress in 2014 and formed the Samaikya Andhra Party. However, he could not win a single seat. Later, he again joined the Congress party but was not active in the state's politics.

Image courtesy: PTI