In a major political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttarakhand has expelled former MLA Suresh Rathore from the party for a period of six years following allegations of polygamy.
 |
| Photo credit: NDTV INDIA |
The controversy erupted after a video went viral on social media, showing Rathore introducing Saharanpur-based actress Urmila Sanawar as his second wife. This incident caused significant embarrassment to the BJP, particularly because the state had recently implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in January 2024, which criminalizes polygamy.
Suresh Rathore, a former legislator from the Jwalapur constituency in Haridwar, was served a notice by the party seeking an official explanation. However, the state leadership found his response unsatisfactory.
According to the expulsion letter issued by the BJP’s state unit, Rathore was found to be in violation of party discipline and social conduct norms. The letter, signed by BJP state general secretary Rajendra Bisht, confirmed that the decision was made following instructions from the state BJP president.
The incident has not only triggered public and political reactions but has also raised questions about accountability and personal conduct among elected representatives.
With the BJP promoting the Uniform Civil Code as a key legislative reform, the party’s action against Rathore is being seen as a signal of strict enforcement of both legal and moral standards within its ranks.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Suresh Rathore will respond and whether any legal proceedings will follow under the UCC.
