Haridwar : BJP expelled its former MLA from Haridwar’s Jwalapur, Suresh Rathore, for six years over allegations of entering into a second marriage. The move comes after Congress criticised Rathore’s second marriage and demanded action against him under recently implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law. A controversy erupted after Rathore had recently made his marital relationship with Saharanpur-based actress Urmila Sanawar public.
The BJP issued a show-cause notice to Rathore, citing indiscipline and damage to the party’s reputation. He was asked to submit a clarification within seven days. However, after failing to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated time, the party expelled him for six years. BJP State General Secretary Rajendra Bisht confirmed the development and said Rathore’s conduct was against the discipline and decorum of the party and that it had harmed the BJP’s public image.
Former MLA Rathore failed to provide a satisfactory response to the notice issued on 23rd June. Moreover, he has breached social norms and party decorum, necessitating this action. BJP State Media Incharge Manveer Singh Chauhan added, The organisation was not satisfied with Rathore’s response. He was consistently found guilty of violating the party’s dignity and social conduct. Acting on the directives of State President Mahendra Bhatt, he has been expelled for six years.
The Congress has strongly criticized the BJP, accusing it of double standards on the implementation of UCC. The BJP is not implementing the law on its own leaders and is only using the UCC as a weapon against the opposition. If the law is equal for all, then why is no legal action being taken against Rathore? the party questioned.
Suresh Rathore, a veteran leader in the Uttarakhand BJP, was elected MLA from the Jwalapur assembly constituency in 2017 and held considerable influence at both district and mandal levels. However, his political career has not been free from controversies. In 2021, a female BJP worker accused him of rape and blackmail, which led to a formal investigation.
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