Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, May 26: "I have not received any notice from the disciplinary committee yet," stated former Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat after his expulsion from the BJP for six years for contesting against his own party's candidate.

Bhat expressed his discontent with the party's internal operations, highlighting that dedicated workers who consider the party their lifeline are consistently hurt by such decisions. He clarified that he has not held any official position within the party recently and questioned the validity of his expulsion. "The party should clarify from which position they have expelled me," he demanded.

Recalling past promises, Bhat mentioned that the party had assured him a position when he was denied a ticket, yet he was never made a state executive member. Despite his expulsion, Bhat remained unperturbed, stating, "I will not lose my cool over this."

He denied making any derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi or the state leaders but voiced his dissatisfaction with the party's administration. Drawing a parallel to Jagadish Shettar, who returned to the party and received a Lok Sabha ticket within a year of criticism, Bhat expressed hope that his expulsion might not be permanent.

"I believe my expulsion will be revoked once I win the council election. It's not possible to expel a true BJP worker," he asserted. He also posed several questions to the party's disciplinary committee regarding actions taken against others who violated party rules.

Bhat criticized the lack of disciplinary action against those who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha elections and supported Congress during the Lok Sabha elections. He questioned the actions taken against invisible saboteurs within the party, indicating that those he nurtured recommended his expulsion.

Defending the actions of district president and MLA Sunil Kumar from the party's perspective, Bhat called for equal justice in party expulsions. He questioned the lack of transparency regarding public statements and corruption allegations made by other leaders.

Highlighting the financial aspects of electoral campaigns, Bhat pointed out that even official candidates accused their peers of financial misconduct during the legislative assembly elections.

"I am just an innocent, poor man. Am I the only one they found to expel?" Bhat asked rhetorically, expressing his determination to win the election and return as a BJP legislator.

Referring to Jagadish Shettar's case, Bhat noted the severe discipline and punishment meted out to BJP workers in the coastal region. He highlighted the replacement of four sitting MLAs in Udupi, questioning if similar actions would be taken in Shivamogga, Bengaluru, Bagalkot, or Hubli.

Bhat lamented the arbitrary treatment of party workers in the coastal area, pointing out that a seat reserved for the coastal region was allocated to Shivamogga. He concluded by expressing confidence that voters and workers would provide a fitting response in the upcoming election.