Hours after he was suspended from the Congress, former MLA Nishith Patel today joined the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh and accused the main Opposition party of neglecting the poor and tribals.

Patel joined the saffron outfit in the presence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar at a by-poll rally in Barhi under Bahoriband Assembly constituency in Katni district.

"I am joining the BJP after watching the party's dedication towards people. I am impressed by its commitment for welfare of the common man," Patel said on the occasion.

Patel said he was influenced by the personality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chouhan. Criticising Congress, he said the party had always left tribals, the poor and farmers in lurch after elections.

Earlier in the day, the Congress suspended Patel for participating in "anti-party" activities.