Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat voices discontent over BJP’s MLC candidate selection

Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat voices discontent over BJP’s MLC candidate selection

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, May 12, 2024: Following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) announcement of MLC candidates, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat has expressed his discontent with the party’s decision.

Despite his active involvement in the party, even after losing the ticket in the assembly elections, Bhat conveyed his disappointment at not being chosen as the party’s candidate for the Legislative Council elections.

Taking to social media, Bhat penned a comprehensive post outlining his grievances. He criticized the party’s decision to nominate candidates from Chikmagalur and Shimoga for the teacher and graduate constituencies, respectively.

In a series of tweets on X, Bhat lamented his replacement in the last assembly elections without prior notice, learning of it through a television announcement. Despite this setback, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the party, with senior members assuring him of the opportunity to contest in the upcoming graduate constituency elections.

Highlighting his efforts, Bhat mentioned leading an active graduate membership campaign, resulting in the highest number of registrations. He also dedicated 40 days to working in Shimoga as the Lok Sabha election in-charge, as designated by the party. However, with the recent MLC ticket distribution, Bhat questioned the departure from tradition by the BJP, which had overlooked the coastal region’s teacher constituency for four decades.

Expressing his concern, Bhat emphasized that his sentiments echoed those of many loyal party workers and supporters. He expressed openness to discussion and welcomed guidance on the matter.

There remains a possibility of Raghupathi Bhat contesting as an independent in the Parishad elections. His extensive efforts to increase the number of graduate voters, especially totaling more than 16,000 in Udupi district alone, underscore his dedication to the cause. Furthermore, his outreach efforts extending to Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru districts signify a broad base of support beyond his immediate constituency.