Contrary to its projection as a party with a difference, the BJP today admitted controversial Rajya Sabha member D.P. Yadav and his son Vikas in to its fold.While the father suffers from a bad image, the son is an accused in the murder of executive Nitish Katara.The BJP admitted the father-son duo at a big media event with a galaxy of party leaders — from president M. Venkaiah Naidu and general secretaries Pramod Mahajan and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi — present to extend the two a hearty welcome. Former minister Satya Pal Malik also joined the party along with the Yadavs.Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said: ‘‘ (DP) Yadav and Malik, by joining the party would strengthen it in Uttar Pradesh.’’Party sources disclosed that the BJP had roped in Yadavs to take on UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav in Yadav-dominated areas. He may be fielded from Mulayam’s Lok Sabha constituency, Sambhal, which he has represented once. Whatever the considerations, the move is counter-productive. It may boost party prospects in certain pockets, but the party image has taken a beating with Yadavs’ admission.A senior party functionary told The Indian Express on condition of anonymity that a large section of the party ‘‘is both surprised and dismayed over the development’’.D.P., meanwhile, has represented Bulandhshahr in the UP Assembly thrice.
