BY Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 28 Jun: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled former Jwalapur MLA Suresh Rathore from the party for a period of six years following allegations of repeated misconduct and indecent behaviour that recently came to light through a viral video on social media. The decision was taken after Rathore’s explanation was found unsatisfactory by the party leadership, prompting swift disciplinary action in view of the ensuing political ramifications.
Speaking to Garhwal Post, the party’s state media in-charge, Manveer Singh Chauhan confirmed that a show-cause notice had been served to Rathore after the circulation of a video clipping depicting his inappropriate behaviour, which generated sharp reactions both within the party and in the public domain. According to Chauhan, the party found that Rathore had not only failed to uphold the dignity expected of a public representative but had also consistently disregarded the BJP’s code of conduct and social norms. After reviewing his response, the state leadership found it unacceptable and, on the instructions of State Party president Mahendra Bhatt, ordered his expulsion for six years.
Rathore, who served as the MLA from Jwalapur in Haridwar district between 2017 and 2022, had earlier courted controversy for his statements and conduct, with internal murmurs in party circles regarding his indiscipline. However, the recent video acted as the tipping point, with the BJP keen to project a zero-tolerance approach towards moral impropriety and misconduct amidst a politically sensitive climate.
The sources claim that the expulsion decision was also influenced by the party’s broader strategy to maintain a clean image ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls and to avoid embarrassment during the ongoing panchayat elections in Uttarakhand. The incident has triggered political commentary, with the Congress accusing the BJP of shielding leaders until controversies go public, while BJP insiders maintain that the party acted as soon as facts came to light.
On the other hand, meanwhile Rathore has denied any wrongdoing and termed the video as “doctored” and a conspiracy against him by internal rivals. He also hinted at taking legal recourse to challenge the expulsion from the party. However, political observers note that this episode may mark a decisive end to Rathore’s active role in BJP politics, at least for the foreseeable future. The development has created a stir in Haridwar’s political circles, with the Jwalapur seat potentially witnessing realignment of caste and local equations in the coming months.
