Mysuru, May 16 (Reporter) In a notable twist ahead of the upcoming Legislative Council elections, K Raghupathi Bhat, a former three-term BJP MLA representing Udupi, has taken a rebellious step by submitting his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the South West Graduates' Constituency. Bhat's decision to go solo comes in the wake of the BJP's refusal to grant him a ticket, underlining deepening internal fissures within the party. The move follows Bhat's earlier indication of running as a 'rebel' candidate in protest against the party's decision. Filing his nomination at the Regional Commissioner’s office in Mysuru on Thursday, Bhat's move coincided with the final day for nominations. While Bhat charts his independent path, the BJP has thrown its weight behind Dhananjaya Sarji as its official nominee for the same constituency. Sarji's nomination papers were also submitted on Thursday, with prominent party figures including Opposition leader R Ashok, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra lending their support. This development underscores broader dissent within the BJP, mirrored by similar rifts surfacing in the South West Teachers’ Constituency. Adding to the electoral drama, Harish Acharya, overlooked for a party ticket, has entered the fray by filing his nomination. Acharya is set to challenge SL Bhoje Gowda, the joint candidate of the JDS and BJP for the constituency. As the electoral landscape heats up, Bhat's independent candidacy injects fresh dynamics into the MLC polls, setting the stage for a keenly contested battle amidst growing internal discord within the BJP...////...