Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar on Wednesday expressed his delight over former Congress veteran S.M. Krishna joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said the saffron party will get strength from his progressive image in Karnataka.

"He is a well-known experienced politician of the country. We will acquire strength from his progressive image in Karnataka. I welcome him in the party whole-heartedly," Kumar told ANI.

"He has shown interest in joining the BJP under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is my friend and a senior colleague," he added.

Krishna, who will join the BJP later in the day, put off his plan last week after the death of his sister.

Though he had reached New Delhi to hold consultations with BJP president Amit Shah, the former Karnataka chief minister had to rush back to Bengaluru after hearing the news of her demise.

84-year-old Krishna had announced his resignation from the Congress on January 29, saying the party was in a "state of confusion" on whether it needed mass leaders or not.