Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Apr 11: MLA Raghupati Bhat is expected to decide on his political future after meeting with his followers on Wednesday,April 12.

Following the announcement of BJP candidates for Udupi and other constituencies in the state, sources close to Bhat say that he may consider contesting the upcoming assembly election as an independent candidate.

According to insiders, Bhat has already begun preparations to contest as an independent candidate in response to mounting pressure from his supporters. A final decision is expected to be made on April 12.

Yashpal Suvarna, a Mogaveera leader, has been given the BJP ticket to contest from Udupi constituency.

Bhat, who has been elected as Udupi MLA three times, is considered to have played a key role in boosting BJP's presence in coastal Karnataka. He enjoys significant support from followers in Udupi and Brahmavar, which could prove to be a deciding factor in the election. In the past, he was given the BJP ticket after receiving numerous requests from the Late Pejawar seer.

Bhat's supporters plan to meet with him on April 12 to discuss their next steps.