Udupi: Former Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat has said he is yet to decide whether to join the Congress but remains determined to contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections. The former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said he would consult party workers and supporters before taking a final call on his political future.

Speaking to the media in Udupi, Bhat said he was not making any special preparations for the elections at present. However, he indicated that he was preparing to move forward independently while assessing the support he enjoys among the people.

“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.

Bhat keeps political options open

Bhat had earlier indicated that he would wait until Navaratri before deciding his next political move. With the 2028 Assembly elections approaching, he said he would arrive at a decision soon after considering the views of his supporters.

He also made it clear that he would be willing to return to the BJP if the party invited him back.

“If the BJP invites me back, there will be no need to seek the opinions of workers,” Bhat said, underlining his continued emotional connection with the party despite his differences with its local leadership.

He said his political journey had been shaped by decades of association with various organisations and by his continued engagement with people at the grassroots level.

Bhat expressed disappointment that BJP leaders had not approached him to discuss his return or address his grievances. He said even district-level leaders had not contacted him, despite his long association with the party and his contribution to strengthening its organisation in Udupi.

“Forget the national and state leaders, not even the district BJP leaders have spoken to me,” he remarked.

He alleged that some leaders appeared to have underestimated his political relevance and questioned what he could achieve. His comments reflected his frustration over what he described as being sidelined despite his electoral record and organisational work.

Accuses Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna of targeting him

Bhat launched a sharp attack on sitting Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, alleging that the latter was creating obstacles for him.

He contrasted Suvarna’s alleged conduct with that of Gurme Suresh Shetty, whom he said respected former Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon, who had given up his ticket in the constituency.

Bhat questioned why he was facing difficulties despite having won the Udupi Assembly seat three times on a BJP ticket.

“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.

Bhat also recalled the 2004 Assembly elections, alleging that Suvarna had worked against him when Sudhakar Shetty contested as a BJP rebel candidate.

According to Bhat, he put aside those differences after winning the election and subsequently brought Suvarna into the party as a nominated councillor.

He said he had never believed in vindictive politics and had made efforts to bring back people who had opposed him in the past.

“I have never practised vindictive politics or held personal grudges. I was the one who brought people who worked against me back into the BJP,” he claimed.

The allegations reflect the continuing differences between the former MLA and sections of the BJP leadership in Udupi.

Recalls role in building BJP in coastal Karnataka

Reflecting on his political career, Bhat recalled his efforts to strengthen the BJP in the Brahmavar region, particularly during the 2008 Assembly elections. He said his work had helped weaken the Congress in the area and expand the BJP’s organisational presence.

He also referred to the party’s strategy ahead of the 2018 elections, claiming that the BJP had relied on him to help defeat then sitting minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

Bhat alleged that the BJP’s subsequent decision to induct Madhwaraj into the party affected the political dynamics in the region and contributed to the circumstances surrounding the 2023 Assembly elections.

He questioned whether his efforts to build the BJP organisation had ultimately worked against his own political interests.

“The opposition should have been allowed to remain somewhat strong. That was my mistake. Was building the party a mistake?” he asked.

Bhat clarified that although he had agreed to Madhwaraj joining the BJP, he was not personally responsible for the induction.

He also recalled his victory speech after the 2004 elections, during which he had promised party workers that he would strengthen the organisation to such an extent that even an ordinary worker could win an election.

He maintained that the BJP’s electoral success in 2023 demonstrated that the organisational foundation he had helped build had delivered results.

Says repeated neglect prompted rebel stance

Bhat said he had expected the party to recognise his contribution by offering him a position in its state executive committee, a Lok Sabha ticket or a nomination to the Karnataka Legislative Council.

According to him, the absence of such opportunities contributed to his decision to contest as a rebel.

He expressed frustration over what he described as repeated neglect and said he was no longer willing to seek the attention of party leaders.

“How many times can one tolerate being betrayed? I am not prepared to plead with leaders or fall at their feet,” he said.

Despite his criticism of the BJP’s local leadership, Bhat’s willingness to return if invited suggests that he has not entirely closed the door on his former party. At the same time, his reference to preparing as an independent indicates that he is keeping other political options open.

His remarks also leave open the possibility of a move to the Congress, although he has not confirmed any decision to join the party.

BJP flag remains an emotional connection

Bhat reiterated his emotional attachment to the BJP, recalling his earlier statement that he wished for his body to be draped in the party flag after his death.

He said he remained committed to that sentiment and would honour it if the BJP invited him back.

For now, Bhat’s immediate focus appears to be on consulting his supporters and deciding how to approach the 2028 Assembly elections. His next move could have implications for the political contest in Udupi, where local party dynamics and relationships among established leaders remain significant.

While he has confirmed his intention to contest the next Assembly elections, his political platform and party affiliation remain undecided. His eventual decision will determine whether he seeks to return to the BJP, joins the Congress or enters the electoral contest as an independent candidate.