Daijiworld Media Network – Kumta

Kumta, Jun 4: A Kannadiga from Uttara Kannada has brought pride to his native region after winning a local election in the United Kingdom, completing a remarkable journey from offering free tuition to underprivileged students in Kumta to serving as an elected councillor abroad.

Dinesh Bhat, a native of Kadekodi in Kumta taluk, has been elected as councillor from the Eastleaze and Shaw Ward of the West Swindon Parish Council in England. He contested as a Conservative Party candidate and secured a decisive victory in the local elections.

The election was held on May 7, 2026. His campaign was supported by prominent Kannadiga leaders based in the UK, including Suresh Gattapura and Sakeen Chikkaballapura. Contesting on a platform aligned with Conservative Party policies and local development priorities, he received strong backing from voters.

Son of Dattatreya Subraya Bhat and Sumitra Bhat of Kadekodi, Dinesh Bhat completed his schooling at Government Higher Primary School, Dhareshwara, Janata Vidyalaya, and Dr Balaga Mahavidyalaya in Kumta. He has been residing in the United Kingdom for the past 20 years owing to employment.

Even during his student years in India, he was actively engaged in social service. As secretary of the ‘Yuvaka Sangha’, he provided free coaching and academic support to meritorious but economically weaker students, earning recognition for his grassroots contribution.

Continuing his commitment to public service, Bhat is now set to work for the welfare of his local community in the UK as well. His election is being widely viewed as a proud milestone for Kannadigas on the coastal belt, reflecting a journey from community service in India to civic leadership in Britain.