Senior BJP leader and former Udupi Municipality president Malpe Somashekar Bhat passes away

Udupi: Malpe Somashekar Bhat, known as the Bhishma Pitamaha of Udupi District Bharatiya Janata Party, breathed his last on Sunday.

As the senior leader of the Jana Sangh, he played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Udupi district. His strong presence in the party is traced back to the Jan Sangh era, and in 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally inquired about his health, emphasizing Bhat’s significance.

Known for his close association with Dr. V S Acharya, Somashekar Bhat leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to the BJP.

Popularly known as Somanna, he was also the founder of Varun Piping Systems. Besides his political contributions, Bhat served as the Director of Kunjibettu Consumers Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

Leaders, community members, and associates of Bhat have conveyed their deep sorrow on the demise of the stalwart leader. Dr. Raviraj Acharya, son of the late Dr. V S Acharya, expressed heartfelt condolences, highlighting Bhat’s role as a political guru.

Funeral arrangements

According to the family, arrangements have been made from 8:30 am to 11 am on February 5 at Somashekar Bhat’s residence in Kadubettu for the public to pay their respects. Following this, the final rites will be held at Rudrabhoomi of Beedinagudde.