Gujarat: Modi welcomes Amin in BJP

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision taken by top Congress leader Narhari Amin, who joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, and said he did not take a 'small decision'.

"I welcome my friend Narhari Amin and his supporters," Modi said while addressing a gathering here on Thursday.

"Narhari Amin made a difficult decision. I know it is not a small decision. I congratulate them for taking the decision," he said.

Slamming the Congress, the Chief Minister said: "The Congress has not only cheated people, but it has also cheated party workers by denying them tickets."

Speaking on Amin´s decision, Modi said: "The move was made to serve the people of Gujarat and for the good of Gujarat's future."

Welcoming the former deputy chief minister to the party, Modi earlier tweeted: "Shri Narhari Amin´s joining BJP strengthens democracy and destroys dynastic politics - a momentous event in Guj(arat) politics."

Amin, who had been with the Congress for 25 years, left the party last week after he was not given a ticket to contest in the Assembly polls in December.

A number of Amin supporters also quit the Congress.

Gujarat will vote in two phases on December 13 and 17.

The results will be declared on December 20.