BJP expels two Karnataka MLAs amid growing signs of internal discord

S T Somashekar
| Photo Credit:
MURALI KUMAR K

In a interesting turn of events, the BJP has dropped the axe on two of its Karnataka MLAs — S T Somashekar and A Shivaram Hebbar — expelling them for six years in a sweeping disciplinary move. State BJP president B Y Vijayendra confirmed the expulsion, citing “anti-party activities” as the reason behind the ouster. This move comes on the heels of Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s suspension in March, which had already sparked speculation about internal rifts within the party.

Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy stated that the MLAs did not wish to remain with them. S T Somashekar represents Yeshwanthpur while A Shivaram Hebbar is the MLA from Yellapur.

Speaking to the media, he said, “Our leaders sent them out in a way that did not invite the disqualification of their membership. I welcome their expulsion,” he said. “Their removal was a decision taken by the central leadership. I believe both of them might be happy with it,” he added.

He alleged that the duo were meeting leaders of other parties on the sidelines. “There is no dissident meeting going on now; what existed were just those two. Now, the curtain has been drawn on all dissenting activities,” he concluded.

Congress response

Congress spokesperson BL Shankar observed that these suspensions have left the BJP weaker. “Janardhan Reddy lost his membership, and now, the party expelled these two members alongside Yatnal. It exposes the internal differences in the opposition party, and in the process, demoralises their workers. In a way, it helps the ruling party,” he emphasised.

However, political analyst Narayana pointed out that there is a distinction between these suspensions.

“Hebbar and Somashekar joined the BJP from the Congress and do not possess extreme ideological views, unlike Yatnal, who is known for being a hardliner. They are capable of winning from their constituency, irrespective of their party. In the case of Yatnal, the long delay in suspending him was seen as the party’s weakness rather than the act itself. People were wondering that when BJP has a strong high command, why are they allowing him to carry on?” he said.

Yatnal was often seen making statements against the party and senior leader BS Yediyurappa, telling the former chief minister to put the party first and stop his “infatuation” with his son, BY Vijayendra. On two grounds, this delayed expulsion was considered a weakness, the political analyst said, costing the party in terms of its image.

“Despite having a strong high command, they could not discipline the MLA. Some people thought he would not speak the way he did unless some faction at the national level supported him. That indicated groupism in the party. Yatnal’s outbursts were seen as internal bickering at the national level rather than at the state level,” he added.

Moreover, the two were not taken seriously as BJP MLAs since they shifted to the party from Congress.

He continued, “It was expected for them to be expelled or suspended. They were Operation Kamala candidates for the BJP, and therefore, were in the BJP only as outsiders, not part of its core. They decided to be firm, showing the party’s confidence of the party.”

(with inputs from bl intern Rohan Das)

Published on May 27, 2025