Udupi: Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat, now an independent candidate for the South West Graduates’ Constituency in the Karnataka Legislative Council biennial election, has responded to his expulsion from the BJP, stating he was not bothered about the party’s action.
Speaking to reporters, Bhat cited the example of Jagadish Shettar, who criticized the BJP after being denied a ticket in a previous Assembly election, then joined the Congress, and eventually returned to the BJP, even receiving a ticket to contest in the Lok Sabha election.Â
Bhat expressed his disappointment at learning about his expulsion through the media, claiming he never received a notice from the party.Â
He said he did not criticize any party leaders, despite being overlooked for responsibilities within the party.Â
 Bhat highlighted the party’s failure to take action against members who cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha election, as well as Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna’s past support for an independent candidate in the 2004 Assembly election before joining the BJP. Bhat reaffirmed his decision to contest independently, based on his personal choice.
