Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Nov 11: “There’s no election now, so maybe I’m not needed in the BJP. But when elections come, they’ll surely remember Raghupathi Bhat,” said former BJP MLA Raghupathi Bhat.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Raghupathi Bhat remarked that while national leaders frequently urge party workers to maintain restraint, such advice should apply to everyone and not just to workers in the Udupi district.

“I hold B L Santhosh in high regard, and I don’t wish to criticise him. However, if restraint is the principle, then it should begin at the top. Vijayendra should be asked to relinquish power, refrain from contesting for the MLA seat, and focus on statewide party work. Let the father and both sons set an example by stepping back from authority. The father is a respected leader; let one son take up responsibility in power and the other dedicate himself to strengthening the party. Only then will the message of restraint carry real meaning,” he said.

Raghupathi Bhat further added, “When I was denied a ticket in 2013, I remained calm. Even in the last election, when I wasn’t given a ticket, I continued to support the party. I campaigned for the official candidate, even drove him in my own car, and ensured his victory. My wife too worked in the field for the party’s success. Despite serving three terms as MLA, I was never made a State executive committee member or vice-president. I continued to remain loyal and disciplined without holding any position of power. I am among the few MLAs who qualified under both ITC and OTC, which itself reflects my commitment and restraint. However, even restraint has its limits. It’s time the senior leaders themselves learn what restraint means.”

Questioning the party’s recent choices, he said, “Instead of fielding Somanna against Siddaramaiah, couldn’t the party have picked a disciplined and restrained worker? Likewise, rather than pitting Ashoka against D K Shivakumar, were there no committed party workers available? In coastal Karnataka, even when denied a ticket, people continue to work for the party — that’s well known. Yet, experiments seem to be conducted only here.”

Expressing his displeasure, Raghupathi Bhat said, “When the BJP national general secretary visited, I was not invited. If I had been invited, I would certainly have attended. Being left out of the event genuinely hurt me. Since I have been removed from the party, I technically have no right to object, and I understand the party’s constitution. So, I have no formal complaint. But it is surprising that those who had once criticised Prime Minister Modi and B L Santhosh were welcomed back into the party and even went on to become MPs within eight months. It’s been more than a year since my election ended, yet my punishment seems to continue.”

Raghupathi Bhat stated, “The BJP has given me everything in public life. Without any political family background, I was able to become an MLA three times. We grew along with the party and contributed to its growth. I have dedicated my youth, my business, and my time entirely to the party, even sacrificing my family life for its sake. The BJP made me who I am today, and for that reason, I will never easily turn against it.”