Why Did Karnataka BJP Expel Two MLAs for Anti-Party Activities?

Bengaluru, May 27 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra expressed his approval regarding the expulsion of party MLAs S.T. Somashekhar and Shivaram Hebbar due to their anti-party activities.

Vijayendra noted that both MLAs, along with the central leadership, are fully aware of the actions that led to their expulsion. When questioned about Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's apparent dismay over this decision, he insisted that there was no need for concern as it was an internal party matter.

In a controversial statement, Shivakumar remarked that the expelled MLAs did not engage in serious offenses within the Vidhana Soudha, referencing an earlier case involving BJP MLA N. Munirathna, who faced arrest on rape charges. Reports suggest that the expelled MLAs had shown a preference towards Shivakumar.

Vijayendra emphasized that both leaders had been afforded numerous opportunities under the BJP government, but encountered difficulties after the party transitioned to opposition status. He confirmed that the issue was addressed in a BJP state core committee meeting, where notices were issued to both MLAs, though he had no updates on their responses.

Former Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Board Member B.S. Yediyurappa remarked, “The true strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party lies in its loyal workers.” He stressed that all members must adhere to the party’s discipline, ideology, and leadership. Yediyurappa conveyed that both Somashekar and Hebbar were expelled after ignoring repeated warnings regarding their conduct.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, stated that the expelled MLAs were uninterested in remaining affiliated with the party and should have voluntarily resigned. He stated, “I welcome their expulsion,” noting that it was executed to avoid disqualification of their membership and that their departure might actually please them.

Narayanaswamy further commented on the ongoing connections of the expelled MLAs with leaders from another party, asserting that the BJP only accommodates those committed to maintaining discipline.

The BJP’s Central Disciplinary Committee officially expelled Karnataka MLAs S.T. Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar for a duration of six years. Both legislators had publicly criticized the BJP while aligning themselves with Congress leaders.

Somashekar, representing the Yeshwanthpur Assembly constituency in Bengaluru, and Hebbar, representing the Yellapur constituency in Karwar district, were initially part of Congress and switched to BJP in 2019 through ‘Operation Lotus’. They subsequently held ministerial positions in the BJP government.

Somashekar had openly declared his support for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, calling him his “godfather in politics.” During the Rajya Sabha elections in February 2024, Somashekar cross-voted while Hebbar abstained.

In an earlier incident, the BJP also expelled senior MLA and staunch Hindutva figure Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for six years for making disparaging remarks against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and state BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra.