BJP MLC ticket announcement: Raghupathi Bhat expresses displeasure

Team Udayavani, May 12, 2024, 9:37 AM IST

Udupi: Following the announcement of MLC candidates by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat, has voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the party’s decision.

Bhat, who has been actively involved in the party despite losing the ticket in the assembly elections, expressed his disappointment after not being selected as the party’s candidate for the Legislative Council elections.

In a statement to Udayavani, Bhatt lamented, “Geographically, it’s an injustice to the coastal people. It has also been unfair to those who have worked for the party. One spot should have been reserved for the coast in the teachers’ or graduates’ constituency. I am sad about the party’s stand. I will discuss (with followers) and decide what to do next.”

Bhat also wrote a lengthy post on social media to highlight his grievances. He criticized the party’s decision to allocate the tickets for the teachers’ and graduate constituencies to candidates from Chikmagalur and Shimoga, respectively.

I am troubled by the party’s decision, and it is a concern shared by many loyal party workers and supporters. I am open to discussion and welcome your guidance on this matter.

— K Raghupathi Bhat (Modi Ka Parivar) (@RaghupathiBhat) May 11, 2024

In a series of tweets on X, he wrote:

“The MLC ticket announcement has been made. The teacher’s constituency ticket was allocated to the JDS candidate from Chikmagalur, while the graduate constituency ticket went to the BJP candidate from Shimoga,” he said.

“This decision by the BJP has ended a forty-year tradition, failing to honor the expectations of the educated voters in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu, as no tickets were distributed for the teacher’s constituency in the coastal region.

“This matter has caused me considerable concern regarding the BJP’s current stance. Since 1994, I have served diligently in various capacities within the Bharatiya Janata Party, including as an active worker and office bearer.

“I have stood as a candidate for the Legislative Assembly and secured victory three times. However, during the last assembly elections, I was replaced without prior notice, and I learned of my replacement through a television announcement.

“Despite this setback, I remained committed to serving the party. At that time, senior party members assured me of the opportunity to contest in the upcoming graduate constituency elections.

“In preparation, I led a vigorous graduate membership campaign, achieving the highest number of registrations, and I dedicated 40 days to working in Shimoga as the Lok Sabha election in-charge, as appointed by the party.

“Yet, with the recent MLC ticket distribution, one must ask who will address the injustice inflicted by the BJP’s break from tradition, which overlooked the coastal region’s teacher’s constituency for four decades.

“I am troubled by the party’s decision, and it is a concern shared by many loyal party workers and supporters. I am open to discussion and welcome your guidance on this matter.” Raghupathi Bhat said.

To contest independently?

Raghupati Bhat’s potential contest as an independent in the Parishad elections remains a possibility. Bhat’s extensive efforts to bolster the number of graduate voters, totaling more than 16,000 in Udupi district alone, underscore his commitment to the cause. Moreover, his outreach efforts have extended to Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru districts, indicating a broad base of support beyond his local constituency.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.