Mangaluru: Vowing to strengthen the strong foothold of Aam Aadmi Party, Bakila Hukrappa, the former BJP MLA of Sullia constituency has formally joined the Arvind Kejriwal -led party.

The politician-cum-agriculturist was welcomed to the AAP at a simple ceremony in the city on Saturday in the presence of party’s state convener Prithvi Reddy, senior leader Babu Mathews, state co-convener Shantala Damale among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hukrappa said he was joining the party because the AAP government in New Delhi is doing good job and he believes in the party's principles.

Shantala Damale gave a brief introduction of Hukrappa's political activities. AAP leader Prithvi Reddy said, "Under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi government is showing excellent governance and is implementing pro-people programs. In Karnataka too, AAP is getting overwhelming support from the common people. The party is planning to strengthen the organization to prepare for the assembly elections 2018."

"The coastal region is fed up with the BJP and the Congress and people are looking forward to a feasible political alternative which only AAP can provide" he added.

He also said the induction of people such as Hukrappa will only make the party locally strong.

Hukrappa is from humble origin and even after several years of political career, he was working as a labourer in Rubber Plantations for his livelihood and this efforts as an agricultural labour has been appreciated and seen as his sincere contribution to his constituency.

Sullia is a reserved constituency for SC candidates and Balappa Hukrappa was a labourer in Areca garden when he was selected as a candidate by Bharathiya Janatha Party for 1983 elections. He won 1983 election from Sullia constituency and became MLA for 18 months but got defeated during 1985 elections from the same constituency.