Mysuru: The Congress has expelled Mayor Bhagyavathi from the primary membership of the party for six years for revolting against the party in the Mayoral polls held last month.

Announcing this at a press meet at Patrakarthara Bhavan here this morning, City Congress President R. Murthy said that Bhagyavathi, who represents MCC Ward No. 23, had rebelled against the party by contesting against the Congress party’s R. Kamala in the Mayoral polls held on Jan. 24, in violation of the party whip. It was clear that Bhagyavathi had sided with the JD(S)-BJP combine to defeat the official candidate of the Congress, which was brought to the notice of the party High Command.

Now, based on the High Command’s directive, Bhagyavathi who was elected on a Congress ticket from MCC Ward No. 23, has been expelled from the primary membership of the party, he said.

Murthy further said that the Congress would stage a demonstration in front of the  MCC office on Feb. 27 to demand Bhagyavathi’s resignation as Mayor.

Corporator Shaukath Pasha, leaders M. Shivanna, Basavanna and Udaykumar were present.