BJP expels Uttarakhand ex-MLA over second marriage, Congress seeks action under UCC

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expelled its former MLA from Jwalapur, Haridwar, Suresh Rathore, for six years over allegations of entering into a second marriage. The Congress criticised Rathore's second marriage and demanded action against him under recently implemented Unionform Civil Code law in the state by the Uttarakhand government.

The BJP's action came after Rathore recently made his marital relationship with Saharanpur-based actress Urmila Sanawar public.

In response to the controversy, the BJP issued a show-cause notice to Rathore, citing indiscipline and damage to the party’s reputation. He had been asked to submit a clarification within seven days. However, after failing to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated time, the party took strict action and expelled him for six years.

The state general secretary of the party said Rathore’s conduct was “against the discipline and decorum of the party” and that it had harmed the BJP’s public image.

The Congress has strongly criticised the BJP, accusing it of double standards on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). “The BJP is not implementing the law on its own leaders and is only using the UCC as a weapon against the opposition,” the Congress said. “If the law is equal for all, then why is no legal action being taken against Rathore?” the party questioned.

Suresh Rathore, a veteran leader in the Uttarakhand BJP, was elected MLA from the Jwalapur assembly constituency in 2017 and held considerable influence at both district and mandal levels. However, his political career has not been free from controversies.

In 2021, a female BJP worker accused him of rape and blackmail, which led to a formal investigation. Again in 2024, he faced legal proceedings on charges of dowry harassment and violations under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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