Anil Antony, the son of senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister, AK Antony, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi today (6 April), in the presence of Union ministers Piyush Goyal and V Muraleedharan and Kerala BJP president K Surendran.

Anil had resigned from all posts he held in the Congress party, i.e., Convener of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Digital Media and National Co-coordinator of All India Congress Committee (AICC) Social Media and Digital Communications Cell on 25 January this year, days after his own party members attacked him over his stand on the BBC documentary about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A day before resigning he had said that despite him having large differences with the BJP, those who support and place the views of the British broadcaster and of former UK foreign secretary Jack Straw, the 'brain behind the Iraq war' (involving the US-led coalition in 2003) over Indian institutions are setting a dangerous precedence.

Welcoming Anil, Goyal said “Anil termed the BBC documentary an attack on the sovereignty of the country. He stood up for India and for national pride. I complement him for his courage and conviction to stand for the country."

Regarding why he decided to join the BJP, Anil said “These days Congress workers work for one family. PM Modi has a clear vision to place India in a very prominent position in a multipolar world. As a young Indian, it is my responsibility and duty to contribute to PM Modi’s vision."

According to political commentators, Anil's entry could help the BJP gain some support amongst the Christian population of the state.

Also Read: Kerala: AK Antony's Son Anil Antony Resigns From All Congress Posts Following Party's Opposition To His Tweet About The BBC's Modi Documentary