BJP issues notice to former MLA amid backlash over second marriage without divorce
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Facing backlash over former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore’s public admission of marrying his long-time partner without divorcing his first wife, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday issued a show cause notice to him, citing misconduct and actions that have harmed the party’s image.
Rathore, who represented Jwalapur constituency in Haridwar district until 2022, held a Press conference last week where he confirmed his marriage to actress Urmila Sanwar while still being legally married to his first wife Ravindra Kaur. His statement triggered criticism from political opponents and on social media, prompting the BJP to term his conduct as inappropriate and damaging to the party’s moral and social standing.
Following the uproar, Rathore met BJP State president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt on Tuesday at his residence and submitted his explanation. The party has confirmed that the matter will be reviewed by its disciplinary committee and a decision will be taken soon.
Bhatt stated that no member is above the party and any behaviour that is considered obscene, abusive or socially inappropriate is unacceptable. He added that the BJP does not compromise on its principles related to social conduct, cultural values and constitutional responsibilities.
The BJP State media in-charge Manveer Chauhan said that various reports and videos of Rathore’s statements have been circulating widely and are being treated as serious breaches of party discipline. He said that the party considers the issue within the scope of indiscipline and has taken steps accordingly.
