Why Did Uttarakhand BJP Expel Former MLA Suresh Rathore?

Synopsis
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.