India, May 27 -- The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled two rebel lawmakers and former Karnataka ministers, ST Somashekhar and Shivaram Hebbar, from the party over anti-party activities for six years.

"The two were given sufficient time to rectify their behaviour," said state BJP chief BY Vijayendra. He added that the state unit recommended strict disciplinary action, emphasising the need to strengthen the party organisation ahead of local body elections, including in Greater Bengaluru.

Somashekhar, who represents Yeshwanthpur (Bengaluru) and Hebbar Yellapura (Uttara Kannada) in the state assembly, did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

In 2019, the two defected to the BJP from Congress, which has since...