Kumta: BJP Karnataka state chief BS Yeddyurappa has expelled Suraj Naik Soni and 15 others from the party for the period of six years for contesting as rebel candidates in the upcoming May 12 Karnataka assembly elections.

Expelled persons include Suraj Naik Soni Kumta, Tippeswami Molakalmuru, Gajanan Rehemani Khanapur, Ramesh Panchagatti Ramdurga, Jagadish Metagudda, Bailhongala Mahadeva Malavalli, VC Patil Ranibennur, Somanna Bevinamarada Shiggaon, Udogangappa Huvinahadagali, Bangari Hanumantha Sanduru, Hanumakka Holalkere, Dilipkumar Gubbi, Sangmesh Nirani Jamakhandi, Gopi Krishna Tarikere and Navalagi Hiremata Hunagunda were the people who were expelled from the party.