Will join BJP if chief minister wants me to, says Amanmani

Independent MLA Amannani Tripathi, who is also an accused in the alleged murder of his wife Sara Singh, visited Gorakhnath temple to meet CM Yogi Adityanath, triggering speculation that he may join the BJP even as party legislator Sheetal Pandey gave clear indication of his induction in party.

The move came at a time when CM assured people that criminal, however big he is, will be nailed by the government.

“I treat him (CM) as my guardian and will do whatever he asks me to do.” Amanmani responded to reporters queries after meeting the CM at the temple.

He said that he would join the BJP if Yogi Adityanath wanted him to do so.

Sahjanwa legislator Sheetal Pandey, who accompanied Aman to the temple in his car, said Aman was not a criminal and party had no problem if he wished to join it.

“Those who ever believe in constitutional values are welcome,” he said while adding “Amanmani’s father and mother are lodged in jail but Aman is under trial by court. He is not a criminal as he is not convicted yet.” Aman, who had stunned every one by winning Nautanwa seat by a margin of whopping 70,000 votes, had sparked controversy by sharing the stage with the chief minister on Saturday. CM Yogi had also mentioned his name in his address at Gorakhpur University.

He was lodged in Ghaziabad’s Dasna jail for his involvement in the alleged murder of his wife Sara Singh who died in a road accident near Firozabad in 2015 under mysterious circumstances.