Technocrat E Sridharan, known as the Metro Man for his role in setting up the Delhi Metro, said Friday that he was opposed to “love jihad” as he saw it in Kerala, which deceived Hindu girls into marriage. A day after his election in the southern state, he announced that he would join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The 88-year-old man told reporters that his intention is to help the party come to power in Kerala and is open to the post of chief minister. “If there is a possibility of assembly elections in April-May this year, the BJP will focus on developing infrastructure,” he said.

Responding to NDTV’s news channel on “Love Jihad”, Sridharan said, “… I see what is happening in Kerala. Love Jihad. “Love Jihad” comes at a time of debate in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where both states are run by the BJP.