MLC elections: Rahugpathi Bhat expelled from BJP

Udupi: In a significant development, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat has been expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a period of six years.

This decision, taken by the State BJP Disciplinary Committee, comes in response to Bhat’s recent actions of independently contesting the Legislative Council elections.

Bhat is contesting as a rebel candidate from the South-West Graduates’ Constituency, defying the party’s directives and running against the official BJP candidate. His actions have been deemed a serious violation of party discipline, causing considerable embarrassment to the party.

In a formal communication on May 25, State Disciplinary Committee President Lingaraja Patil stated that Raghupathi Bhat is relieved from all party responsibilities with immediate effect and will face a six-year expulsion from the party.