New Delhi: The BJP has expelled former Jwalapur MLA Suresh Rathore from the party for six years. The action comes after allegations of a second marriage, amid growing criticism from the Congress and public backlash under the newly implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand.
Suresh Rathore, a senior BJP leader and former MLA from Jwalapur, has been expelled from the party for six years. The decision follows allegations that he entered into a second marriage without dissolving his first.
The controversy erupted after Rathore publicly acknowledged his relationship with actress Urmila Sanawar from Saharanpur.
The BJP issued a show-cause notice to Rathore on June 23. He was accused of indiscipline and tarnishing the party’s image. Rathore was asked to respond within seven days. However, he failed to give a satisfactory explanation.
BJP State General Secretary Rajendra Bisht confirmed the expulsion. “He breached social norms and party decorum,” Bisht said. “His actions harmed the BJP’s public image.”
BJP State Media Incharge Manveer Singh Chauhan also commented on the matter. “He repeatedly violated party dignity. The organisation found his explanation unsatisfactory. Following directions from State President Mahendra Bhatt, Rathore has been expelled for six years,” Chauhan stated.
The Congress reacted sharply to the incident. It accused the BJP of double standards regarding the UCC. “Why is no legal action being taken against Rathore if the law is equal for all?” the Congress asked. The party said the BJP was using the UCC selectively to target the opposition.
Rathore has been a prominent figure in Uttarakhand politics. He was elected MLA in 2017 from Jwalapur and held significant influence in district and mandal politics.
However, his political career has been marred by controversy. In 2021, a female BJP worker accused him of rape and blackmail. In 2024, he faced legal proceedings for dowry harassment and charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
With this expulsion, the BJP seeks to distance itself from Rathore’s conduct and reinforce its stand on party discipline and public accountability.
