KPCC’s disciplinary panel expels G.V. Seetharam

The disciplinary panel of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has expelled G.V. Seetharam, the former spokesperson of Mysuru Rural District Congress Committee, from the primary membership of the party for six years.

Mr. Seetharam, who is also a former Chairperson of the Karnataka State Bhovi Development Corporation, was in the eye of a storm recently after an audio recording of him making disparaging remarks against the Vokkaliga community triggered protests in H.D. Kote and Sargur taluks.

The Block Congress Committee of H.D. Kote, too, had taken the matter seriously after protestors gathered in large numbers seeking action against Mr. Seetharam, who is also considered to be a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The convenor of KPCC’s disciplinary committee Niveditha Alva, in a statement, pointed out that the audio recording of Mr. Seetharam had not only caused distress to the concerned community, but also brought embarrassment to the party.

“In light of this incident, local MLAs, the DCC president, and Block Committee presidents have requested disciplinary action against him,” the statement said, before pointing out that Mr. Seetharam had violated the party discipline and made statements damaging the party’s reputation.