Politics · India · 6 hrs ago
Raghupathi Bhat says he is considering a Congress offer
Former Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat is weighing a move from the BJP to Congress.
He confirmed that Congress has invited him to join, but said he has not made a final decision.
Bhat says he will consult supporters before deciding.
He also said he would consider an invitation from the BJP, keeping both options open.
A three-time MLA with a long BJP and RSS background, Bhat said changing parties is not a step he can take lightly.
He was not given the BJP ticket in 2023 and campaigned for the party's Udupi candidate, Yashpal Suvarna, but says Suvarna's treatment of him after the win left him hurt.
Bhat says he will contest the 2028 assembly election, though he has not said which party he will represent.
Former Udupi legislator Raghupathi Bhat says Congress has invited him to join, but he has not made a final decision.
He says he will discuss the offer with his supporters before deciding.
Bhat says he is also open to considering an invitation from the BJP.
He says he is certain he will contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly election.
Bhat said he was hurt by the way Udupi legislator Yashpal Suvarna treated him after winning the 2023 election.
- Who
- Raghupathi Bhat, a former legislator from Udupi.
- What
- He is considering an invitation to join Congress but has not decided; he is also open to an invitation from the BJP.
- When
- He made the remarks on October 13, 2026; the reports were published on October 13 and 14.
- Where
- He spoke to reporters in Mangaluru, according to Vartha Bharati.
- Why
- Congress has invited him, and he says he will consult his supporters before deciding.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bhat said he campaigned for Yashpal Suvarna after the BJP did not give him a ticket.
Bhat told reporters in Mangaluru that he was considering Congress's invitation and would consult his supporters.
Pragati Vahini and Kannada Prabha Online reported Bhat's comments.
- Congress invitation
- Bhat confirmed he had received one
- BJP invitation
- Bhat said he was expecting one and would consider it
- Supporters
- Bhat said he would consult them before deciding
- 2028 Assembly election
- Bhat said he would contest
- Previous legislative terms
- Bhat was elected legislator three times
3 sources
What people are saying
An invitation has already come from Congress. I am thinking about it. I will discuss it with my supporters and take the next decision only after getting their opinion.
I am also expecting a call from the BJP. If the BJP invites me, I can consider that too.
I cannot take a decision like changing parties suddenly. My heart does not agree with that either.
They did not give me even the minimum respect.