Congress extends invitation to Varun Gandhi after ticket denial by BJP

The Congress party on Tuesday made an offer to BJP MP Varun Gandhi after he was dropped by the BJP from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit. Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that Varun Gandhi is "most welcome" to join the grand old party. Speaking to reporters, Adhir Chowdhury alleged that the reason the BJP dropped Varun Gandhi from the poll race is because of the latter's family roots in the Gandhi family. "He (Varun Gandhi) should join Congress. We will be happy if he joins. He is a tall leader, and a well-educated politician. His image exudes transparency, and he has relations with the Gandhi family. This is the reason why the BJP did not give him a ticket. We want Varun Gandhi to join Congress now," Adhir Chowdhury said.