Anil Antony, the son of Congress veteran and former defence minister AK Antony, on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi in the presence of Union ministers Piyush Goyal and V Muraleedharan.

Anil Antony had quit Congress on January 25, a day after he was admonished by the party leadership for criticising BBC over its controversial documentary against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing the media after joining the party, Anil said, “These days Congress workers work for one family. PM Modi has a clear vision to place India in a very prominent position in a multipolar world. As a young Indian, it is my responsibility and duty to contribute to PM Modi’s vision…I strongly believe that I have taken the right step. My respect for my father will remain the same.”

Former Defence Minister AK Antony expressed his anguish and disappointment over his son Anil’s decision to join the BJP on Thursday, calling it a “wrong decision” and a “very painful” moment for him.

He said that he was loyal to the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family, which he credited for keeping India united and respecting its diversity.

“I am at the last phase of my political career and do not know how long I will live. But as long as I do, I will live for the Congress,” Mr Antony said, adding that he would not be available for any further comment on his son’s move, and requested the media to respect his privacy.