The former president of YSR District Congress Party, Chokkakula Venkata Rao alongwith his supporters on Saturday joined the BJP here in the presence of the head of state BJP K Hari Babu.

Celebrating the partyfold Rao, Babu who is also member Lok Sabha Visakhpatnam said the BJP was gaining support in the state as people have much faith in the government led by Narendra Modi at the Centre.

He said the state unit of the party wide membership will start from this afternoon in the 13 districts in a big way.

Babu said that about one crore people have joined the party in the state through the toll free number. BJP legislator North Visakhapatnam, P Vishnu Kumar Raju said Rao supported by the constituency can be developed into a model one.

Rao had contested unsuccessfully against Vishnu Kumar on the ticket YSRCP from the seat in the last election to the assembly.

Rao addressing the meeting said he was impressed by the management and operation of Modi prime minister who is working hard to develop the country.

He said that along with their media work to strengthen the BJP in the state particularly in the district.