Udupi: Former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat vows to stay active in politics despite election loss

Udupi: Former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat vows to stay active in politics despite election loss

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 9, 2024: Former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat, who recently ran as an independent candidate in the Legislative Council elections for the South West Graduates constituency, has pledged to remain active in politics and social work despite his unexpected defeat.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Bhat stated, "I don’t have the habit of repeatedly contesting as an independent candidate. I did not expect such a significant loss. I will continue to engage with society as a political and social activist."

Bhat explained that his candidacy aimed to alert BJP leaders to rectify their mistakes and make decisions favorable to party workers. "CT Ravi has got justice now. My contest against BJP prompted the saffron party to field its leader C. T. Ravi in the biennial elections to the Legislative Council from the Legislative Assembly," he said.

Clarifying his position, Bhat mentioned that he contested the election in protest against a wrong party decision but remains committed to his political career. "All the booth workers were with us. I will continue to be active in politics as a BJP worker," he affirmed.

In the election, K. Raghupathi Bhat secured 7,039 votes. The BJP candidate, Dr. Dhananjay Sargi, won with 37,627 votes, while the Congress candidate, Aynur Manjunath, received 13,516 votes.