Why Were Two Karnataka BJP MLAs Expelled for Six Years?
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Synopsis
The recent expulsion of Karnataka MLAs S.T. Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar from BJP raises questions about party discipline and loyalty. Their ties to Congress leaders and critical remarks against BJP leadership led to this significant decision. Discover the details behind this political upheaval.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka MLAs S.T. Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar expelled from BJP.
- Expulsion due to anti-party activities and criticism of leadership.
- Both MLAs had previous ties to Congress before joining BJP.
- This situation reflects internal party dynamics and loyalty challenges.
- Significant implications for BJP's image and discipline.
Bengaluru, May 27 (NationPress) The BJP's Central Disciplinary Committee announced on Tuesday the expulsion of Karnataka MLAs S.T. Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar from the party for a duration of six years.
These legislators had formed alliances with Congress leaders and publicly criticized the BJP and its leadership.
Representing the Yeshwanthpur Assembly constituency in Bengaluru, Somashekar and MLA Hebbar, who serves the Yellapur constituency in Karwar district, were originally part of the Congress before joining the BJP in 2019 amid ‘Operation Lotus’. They subsequently held ministerial roles in the BJP government.
Somashekar has openly declared his support for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, referring to him as his “political godfather”. During the Rajya Sabha elections in February 2024, Somashekar engaged in cross-voting while Hebbar chose to abstain.
Following the cross-voting incident, Somashekar informed reporters that he voted based on his conscience, stating, “I went by my conscience and voted for those who worked to build schools and carry out development works in my constituency.”
The presence of both MLAs in the Assembly during party walkouts and their critical remarks about state leadership have caused significant embarrassment to the BJP.
In a statement, Om Pathak, Member Secretary of the Central Disciplinary Committee, indicated that the committee had assessed their replies to the show-cause notices issued on March 25 and noted their repeated breaches of party discipline.
“It has been decided to expel you for a period of six years with immediate effect from the primary membership of the party, and you are removed from any positions you currently hold,” the statement conveyed to the MLAs.
The BJP had previously faced challenges in 2022 when Kommaghatta Road, situated in Somashekar’s constituency, was resurfaced just two days prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bengaluru. The newly resurfaced road deteriorated in multiple areas. At that time, Somashekar, then a state minister, attributed the poor quality of work to the short notice given by the Prime Minister’s Special Protection Group (SPG). The road was traversed by the Prime Minister during his commute between Kommaghatta and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE) University.
Previously, the BJP also expelled senior MLA and strong Hindutva leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for six years for making derogatory remarks against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and state BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra.
Point of View
It's crucial to understand the dynamics of political allegiance in India. The expulsion of S.T. Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar from the BJP highlights the ongoing struggle within parties to maintain discipline. This incident serves as a reminder that political loyalty is paramount in today's complex political landscape, where shifting alliances can lead to significant consequences.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the MLAs expelled?
The MLAs were expelled for anti-party activities, including publicly criticizing the BJP and aligning with Congress leaders.
What is the duration of their expulsion?
They have been expelled for a period of six years.
What did Somashekar say about his voting?
Somashekar stated that he voted according to his conscience, supporting those who contributed to development in his constituency.
What previous incident embarrassed the BJP?
In 2022, a road in Somashekar's constituency was poorly constructed just before the Prime Minister's visit, leading to public embarrassment.
What does this expulsion mean for the BJP?
This expulsion signifies the BJP's commitment to maintaining party discipline and highlights the challenges of managing dissent within its ranks.
