Mangaluru: Repeated violations of the principles of Communist Party of India (Marxist) led to expulsion of B.M. Bhat, a long time party leader in Belthangady, from the primary membership of the party in January, said CPI(M) district secretary Vasantha Achari here on Monday.

Responding to allegations made by Mr. Bhat at a press conference on March 31, Mr. Achari said following a compliant by Mr. Bhat of theft of ₹7 lakh of party funds from his residence, party’s district unit inquired into the issue. The committee found Mr. Bhat at fault of misappropriation of party funds. On the recommendation of the district committee, the party decided to remove him from all the important positions.

Instead of using the opportunity to correct himself and function as per party’s ideals and principles, Mr. Bhat continued to misappropriate party funds and raise voice against decisions of the district committee, he said. The party issued two show-cause notices and then decided to remove Mr. Bhat on January 13. Mr. Achari said the party has also suspended Vittal Malekudiya and 13 others.

While condemning Mr. Bhat’s accusation against him and two other district committee members of “autocratic” leadership, he said the accusation did not matter as he was no longer with the party and faced allegation of misappropriation of party funds. On the claim by Mr. Bhat that he has support of 252 CPI(M) activists from Belthangady, Mr. Achari said it will be known after scrutiny of applications filed seeking renewal of party membership by the district committee, which will be held in a few days.

Mr. Achari said the district committee has recommended to the party’s Central committee to support the party that will fight communal forces in Belthangady, Puttur, Sullia and Bantwal Assembly constituencies in the ensuing Assembly elections.

The party will have its candidate in Mangaluru City South, Manglauru City North, Moodbidri and Mangaluru (Ullal).