Hyderabad, October 19: Socio-religious activist Swami Paripoornananda, often dubbed as the "Yogi Adityanath of South" for his fiery speeches and sermons, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party today in presence of party president Amit Shah and senior leader Ram Madhav.

Paripoornananda's induction into the BJP comes days before the Telangana assembly elections, scheduled on December 7. The saffron-robed leader is expected to campaign for the party in the state. Speculations are also rife on him contesting either in the upcoming assembly polls or the parliamentary elections from Telangana in April 2019. Telangana Revolutionary Singer Balladeer Gaddar Denies Joining Congress, Hits Out at BJP and TRS.

Paripoornananda was earlier in the year barred from entering Hyderabad after he allegedly delivered an instigating speech against film actor and critic Kathi Mahesh, accused of disrespecting Hindu deities. The Hyderabad High Court had lifted the ban in August.

Although Paripoornananda's mutt is located in Kakinada of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, he draws a large following in Telangana as well.

On his joining the BJP, Amit Shah said, "Earlier, his blessings were with us. Now Swamiji has himself  joined us. This would galvanise our cadres in Telangana and increase the possibilities of our victory."

Paripoornananda, meanwhile, said he has has joined the BJP as a "karmayogi" with no desire of any form of returns. "Through the party, I want to give back to the Telugu people who have given me so much over the past couple of decades," he said, adding that it would be his honour to work hunder Shah and Ram Madhav.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2018 07:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).