Why Did Uttarakhand BJP Expel Former MLA Suresh Rathore?

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Why Did Uttarakhand BJP Expel Former MLA Suresh Rathore?

Synopsis

The expulsion of former MLA Suresh Rathore from the Uttarakhand BJP raises questions about the party's standards and response to controversies. With allegations of a second marriage and a public backlash, this incident highlights the challenges faced by political figures in maintaining their public image and adhering to party values.

Key Takeaways

  • Suresh Rathore expelled from BJP for six years.
  • Controversy sparked by a viral video with actress Urmila.
  • BJP emphasizes adherence to party discipline.
  • Public scrutiny on conduct of political representatives.
  • Initial acknowledgment of relationship contradicted by later denial.

Dehradun, June 28 (NationPress) The Uttarakhand faction of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially expelled former MLA Suresh Rathore from its ranks for a duration of six years, following a scandal regarding his purported second marriage.

Rathore, who once served as the representative for the Jwalapur Assembly seat in Haridwar, faced expulsion after a video emerged, depicting him alongside a woman later recognized as actress Urmila.

This footage rapidly gained traction online, inciting severe backlash from the Opposition, which led the BJP to issue a show cause notice to Rathore.

Despite Rathore's submission of a written defense, party officials deemed it inadequate.

In a formal expulsion decree released by BJP State General Secretary Rajendra Bisht on Saturday, the party stated: “The leadership is not satisfied with the clarification received from you concerning the notice issued on June 23, 2025. You have repeatedly undermined the dignity of the party and societal norms.”

The statement continued, “In accordance with the directives of the Hon’ble State President, you are hereby expelled from the primary membership of the party for a period of six years, effective immediately.”

The BJP asserted that it will not tolerate members whose actions are deemed inappropriate or detrimental to its public image.

Initially, Rathore had acknowledged Urmila as his second spouse but later refuted the marriage, claiming that the images circulating were from a film he is producing. “Those are not wedding photos; they are scenes from a film,” he asserted.

However, this inconsistency only fueled the controversy, with the Congress party criticizing the BJP for its sluggish response.

“He initially acknowledged the relationship and is now labeling it as a film scene. Is this a joke?” stated the Uttarakhand Congress.

The expulsion arrives amid increased scrutiny regarding the behavior of public officials and their commitment to party discipline.

Point of View

The expulsion of Suresh Rathore by the Uttarakhand BJP underscores the importance of ethical conduct among public representatives. The party's swift action reflects its commitment to maintaining integrity and discipline, especially amid growing public scrutiny. This incident serves as a reminder of the accountability expected from political figures in today's society.
NationPress
28/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to Suresh Rathore's expulsion from the BJP?
Suresh Rathore was expelled due to controversies surrounding his alleged second marriage and a viral video involving actress Urmila.
How long is Suresh Rathore's expulsion from the party?
He has been expelled from the BJP for a duration of six years.
What did the BJP have to say about Rathore's actions?
The BJP stated that Rathore's actions violated the party's dignity and social norms, leading to his expulsion.
Did Rathore admit to the allegations?
Initially, Rathore acknowledged the relationship but later denied the marriage, claiming the images were from a film.
What has been the reaction from the Opposition?
The Opposition, particularly the Congress party, criticized the BJP for its delayed response to the controversy.