Former Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria joins BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Former Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria joined the BJP on Sunday.

BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde lauded Bhadauria's long service in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and expressed confidence that he will now contribute actively in the political field after playing an active role in the defence forces.

The BJP leader said Bhadauria spent nearly 40 years in the IAF and contributed to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bhadauria -- who hails from Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is yet to name its candidates for many Lok Sabha seats -- said his new innings gives him a chance to contribute to nation-building.

Having retired in 2021, he termed the last eight to 10 years of his service as a "golden period", praising the steps taken by the Modi government to boost self-reliance and modernise the armed forces.

He also praised its measures for national security and lauded Modi's foresight, saying the steps taken across various departments will help the country emerge stronger.

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