CPI(M) leaders confirm expulsion of B M Bhat

CPI(M) district secretary Vasant Achary clarified that B M Bhat is no longer a member of CPI(M). He has been expelled from the party on January 13, 2018, and Bhat's primary membership has been scrapped following his misbehaviour and misappropriation of funds.

Addressing reporters in Mangaluru on Monday, Vasant Achary said that Bhat had made accusations of corruption by the senior leaders of the party, which is false.

In fact, B M Bhat had been showing disrespect to the party principles since a long time. He was not only given oral warnings but was also served with show cause notices from the party twice. When he did not pay heed to the instructions, he was finally removed from CPI(M)'s primary membership.

The district secretary further stated that Bhat was found in possession of Rs 7 lakh cash at his home. It was not his personal asset and was the sum collected from people towards party funds. The incident came to fore when a police complaint was lodged by Bhat on the theft of Rs 7 lakh from his home. "Keeping large amount of money is against the principles of CPI(M)," said Vasant.

Moreover, B M Bhat was involved in rebel activities by forming a taluk committee in Belthangady on his own and making 257 members enroll in the committee. This too, is against the party ideologies. The 257 members have not renewed the party membership and therefore, their membership too, stays cancelled.

Vasant Achary said that the CPI(M) will field its candidates from Sullia, Puttur, Belthangady and Bantwal constituencies as well. He denied of any possibilities of CPI(M) supporting BJP.

CPI(M) leaders K R Sriyan, J Balakrishna Shetty, K Yadava Shetty, K Krishnappa Salian, U B Lokaiah and Vasudev Ucchil were present in the press meet.