In a decisive move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday expelled Neelamangala President Jagdish Chaudhary for six years. This action followed a viral video showcasing a thanksgiving event where liquor was allegedly served, organized to celebrate the victory of Chikkaballapur MP K Sudhakar. The incident has sparked significant controversy and embarrassment for the party.
The video, which quickly gained traction on social media, depicted an event where non-vegetarian food and alcohol were distributed. Reports indicate that the crowd exceeded expectations, resulting in disorderly conduct at the gathering. The organizers had secured a one-day license from the excise department for the event, but the fallout has been considerable.
As the situation escalated, MP K Sudhakar distanced himself from the controversy, asserting his unawareness of such activities. He issued an apology, stating, “I am not aware of the distribution of liquor and I do not encourage such things. The participants might have bought liquor somewhere and had it at the venue.” Sudhakar emphasized that such incidents would not occur again.
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The ruling Congress party swiftly capitalized on the issue, criticizing the BJP. Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar demanded a response from BJP National President JP Nadda. Speaking to the media, Shivakumar said, “I don’t want local (BJP) leaders to reply to it. I want the BJP national president to reply to it. It is the culture of the BJP.”
Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also condemned the BJP, highlighting the party’s hypocrisy. In a post on social media platform X, Rao stated, “Saying one thing, doing another… BJP leaders are busy distributing liquor while the state is dengue-stricken. Where are the BJP leaders who questioned me swimming at the swimming pool when I visited Mangalore (Mangaluru)? Is this your culture?”
The incident has not only embarrassed the BJP but also provided ammunition to the Congress party to criticize its rivals. The expulsion of Jagdish Chaudhary serves as a clear message that the BJP will not tolerate actions that tarnish its image, especially with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the horizon.
As the political drama unfolds, the BJP’s swift response aims to mitigate damage and reaffirm its stance on maintaining decorum and discipline within the party. The party’s leadership is likely to scrutinize future events more closely to prevent similar controversies.