The Karnataka BJP on Monday expelled Padmanabha Saphalya, vice president of Idkidu Gram Panchayat in Mangaluru district, following a serious allegation of indecent behavior towards a woman.
The incident occurred in Idkidu village near Bantwal, where Saphalya allegedly exposed himself to a woman walking home. According to reports, the woman had earlier confronted Saphalya about a gate installation that obstructed the road leading to her residence. Following the confrontation, he reportedly flashed his private parts in public — an act allegedly recorded on video.
The woman filed a formal complaint at the Vitla police station, and an FIR has been registered. A police investigation is currently underway.
In response to the complaint and ensuing backlash, the BJP’s Puttur Assembly Constituency Unit took swift disciplinary action. In an official statement, the party declared that Saphalya’s primary membership has been revoked and he has been expelled with immediate effect. He has also been instructed to resign from his Panchayat position.
The BJP stated that the decision was made to uphold its commitment to women’s dignity and safeguard the party’s public image. The expulsion order was signed by Dayananda Shetty Ujaremaru, President of the Puttur Rural Unit.
In a separate controversy, BJP MLA C.T. Ravi was recently accused of using derogatory language against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during the Karnataka Legislature’s winter session in Belagavi. However, both Ravi and the BJP have denied the allegation.
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