Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Oct 22: Former Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat stated that he is yet to decide on joining the Congress party but confirmed his intention to contest the 2028 Assembly elections.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, October 22, Bhat said he is gathering opinions from party workers and supporters before deciding his political future. "I am not making any special preparations for the elections at present. When I was elected MLA on three occasions, I had the party and its workers behind me. Now, I am preparing as an independent. Whatever decision I make, I will seek the opinions of my supporters and workers, as I have a large support base," he said.

Having previously stated he would wait until Navaratri to make a move, Bhat noted that with the elections approaching, he will soon arrive at a decision. "If the BJP invites me back, there will be no need to seek the opinions of workers. There are people who have known me for decades. I have always been among the people and grew politically through my association with various organisations," he added.

Expressing readiness to return to the BJP if invited, Bhat voiced his displeasure over being ignored by district-level party leaders. "Forget the national and state leaders, not even the district BJP leaders have spoken to me. They seem to think that I am just a Brahmin who is of no use and wonder what I can achieve," he remarked angrily. He recalled his efforts in building the local BJP, including approaching Sukumar Shetty alongside Sunil Kumar to prevent him from joining the Congress, and bringing several Congress workers into the BJP fold.

Launching a scathing attack on Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Bhat alleged that the sitting MLA is creating personal hurdles for him. "The present MLA is targeting me. While Gurme Suresh Shetty respects Lalaji Mendon, who gave up the ticket in the Kaup constituency, the Udupi MLA is causing me trouble. I was elected MLA three times on a BJP ticket, yet a BJP MLA is harassing me. I had to stage a protest over the single-layout issue," he said.

Recalling the 2004 Assembly polls, Bhat alleged that Suvarna had worked against him when Sudhakar Shetty contested as a BJP rebel candidate. "Yashpal worked against me back then. However, after my victory, I set aside our differences and brought him into the party as a nominated councillor. I have never practiced vindictive politics or held personal grudges. I was the one who brought people who worked against me back into the BJP," he claimed.

Reflecting on past elections, Bhat noted his role in weakening the Congress in the Brahmavar region during the 2008 polls. "In 2018, the party needed me to spend money and defeat Pramod Madhwaraj, who was a sitting minister. However, the BJP's later decision to induct Pramod created a situation where anyone could win the 2023 elections. The opposition should have been allowed to remain somewhat strong. That was my mistake. Was building the party a mistake?" he questioned.

Bhat clarified that while he agreed to Madhwaraj joining the BJP, he was not personally responsible for inducting him. He also recalled promising his workers during his 2004 victory speech that he would build the party to a level where even an ordinary worker could win, a promise he claims was fulfilled in 2023.

Expressing his frustration over being sidelined, Bhat said, "I could have been made a member of the state executive committee, given a Lok Sabha ticket, or nominated to the Legislative Council. It was only after being ignored that I decided to contest as a rebel. How many times can one tolerate being betrayed? I am not prepared to plead with leaders or fall at their feet."

Reaffirming his emotional connection with his former party, Bhat reiterated his earlier statement that he wishes for his body to be draped in the BJP flag upon his death, adding that he remains committed to those words should the party invite him back.