New Delhi, May 19: Former Punjab Congress chief and senior leader Sunil Jakhar joined the BJP on Thursday in Delhi days after quitting the grand old party.

Jakhar quit Congress weeks after he was issued a show-cause notice by the Congress leadership over his criticism of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.

After joing the BJP in presence of party’s national president JP Nadda, Jakhar addressing the media said Congress’s coterie has now turned into a gang.

Welcoming him to the party fold JP Nadda, said that the veteran leader would play a critical role for BJP in Punjab.

Media reports surface that Jakhar may be nominated for the Rajya Sabha and would be given some responsibility in Punjab and also would be instrumental in bringing more disgruntled Congress leaders into the BJP fold. He had recently indicated that he wanted to remain relevant in Punjab.

Mr Jakhar is a prominent non-Sikh face of Punjab and is respected across party lines.

Last month, the Congress’ disciplinary panel had recommended that Jakhar be suspended from the party for two years and removed from all posts.