The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has taken a significant disciplinary action by expelling two of its MLAs, ST Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar, for a period of six years over alleged anti-party activities. The announcement was made on May 27, 2025, by the BJP state president BY Vijayendra, who confirmed that the decision was reached after extensive deliberations by the party high command.

About the Expelled MLAs

ST Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar are experienced politicians representing the Yashwanthpur and Yellapur assembly constituencies respectively. Both have played influential roles in Karnataka’s political landscape.

The two MLAs were key members of a rebel faction that dramatically altered the state's political scenario in 2019. They were part of the group that defected from the Congress-JD(S) coalition government and extended support to the BJP, leading to the coalition’s collapse and the BJP’s ascendancy to power in Karnataka.

Reasons for Expulsion

Despite their initial alignment with the BJP, recent months have seen both Somashekar and Hebbar apparently shifting allegiances. Media reports suggest they have been seen participating in Congress-led events and have openly expressed support for Karnataka’s ruling party, which is Congress at present.

This perceived anti-party behavior and their public proximity to opposition functions raised serious concerns within the BJP leadership. After assessing the situation, the party’s high command decided to impose a strict penalty in the form of a six-year expulsion to maintain internal discipline and party cohesion.

Statement by BJP Leadership

BJP state president BY Vijayendra stated that the party took the decision only after long and thorough deliberations, indicating the seriousness with which the party viewed the MLAs' actions. The expulsion serves as a clear message to party members about the consequences of actions considered detrimental to the party’s interests and unity.

Political Implications

This development has significant ramifications for Karnataka’s political dynamics. The expelled MLAs have a history of switching allegiances, and their recent support for Congress activities suggests potential shifts in future political alignments. For BJP, this move is aimed at consolidating loyalty and discouraging further dissent within its ranks.

The expulsion also reaffirms BJP’s intent to maintain strict discipline ahead of upcoming electoral challenges and ensure that the party cadre remains focused on organizational goals.

Conclusion

The six-year expulsion of MLAs ST Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar marks a decisive disciplinary step by the Karnataka BJP against anti-party conduct. As seasoned politicians who played pivotal roles in the 2019 political upheaval, their recent divergence and public association with Congress-led events were intolerable to the BJP leadership.

This action is a clear indication of the party’s efforts to tighten internal discipline and uphold its political strength in Karnataka amid a competitive political environment. The coming months will reveal how this decision affects both the individual MLAs’ political futures and the broader landscape of Karnataka politics.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are 3B Films, N R Vandana Tex Industries, Scoda Tubes,Neptune Petrochemicals, Victory Electric Vehicles International, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are Blue Water Logistics, Astonea Labs, Nikita Papers, Prostarm Info Systems, Aegis Vopak Terminals, Schloss Bangalore.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.