New Delhi: Upset over BJP National President Amit Shah’s recent statement that BJP has no connection with him,  Bellary mining baron G. Janardhan Reddy is said to have held parleys with Congress leaders in a bid to join the party.

Adding credence to the rumours, Reddy is learnt to have hugged his one time rival and now Minister in Siddharamaiah Government Santhosh Lad, after meeting him at a posh hotel.

Following his reported meeting with Janardhan Reddy, Santhosh Lad, who is also the Bellary District In-charge Minister, is said to have made a point with Karnataka Congress In-charge K.C. Venugopal on Reddy’s keenness to join the Congress, it is learnt.