Some 1,700 PKR members and supporters in Padang Serai and Kulim/Bandar Baharu parliamentary constituencies quit the party to join the MIC last night.

Led by Padang Serai PKR leader K Letchumanan, they handed the MIC forms to Kedah Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy liaison chairperson Ahmad Bashah Mohd Hanipah in Paya Besar, Lunas, near Kulim.

Express bus operator Letchumanan said the decision was made as they were tired by the empty promises made by PKR leaders, particularly Padang Serai member of parliament N Gobalakrishnan.

They were from ten branches including Jalan Kuta Raja (Paya Besar), Taman Saderi, Taman Makmur, Taman Mutiara (Sungai Kob), Taman Sungai Kob, Taman Ria, and Pekan Padang Serai in Padang Serai constituency.

For Kulim/Bandar Baharu constituency, the members involved were from Padang Buluh and Dublin Pusat branches.

Those present include Kedah BN secretary Rodzai Sufian, Kedah MCA chairperson Chong Itt Chew, Kedah Umno secretary Nawawi Ahmad and Kedah MIC chairperson and Lunas state constitunecy coordinator S Ananthan.

Ahmad Bashah said more PKR and PAS members and supporters in Kedah were expected to quit to join BN component parties soon.

Ananthan who is also Kulim/Bandar Baharu MIC chief said the development showed that Indians in Kedah had realised their mistake in supporting Pakatan Rakyat and PKR.

"This is reality and inconsistent with talks that paint a negative picture of BN's influence in Kedah, especially in Kulim and Bandar Baharu."

He said the Lunas constituency community service centre in Taman Cekur Manis had resolved over 2,000 cases brought by voters in Lunas.

- Bernama