Uttarakhand BJP sends disciplinary notice to ex-MLA Suresh Rathore, seeks reply in 7 days

HARIDWAR: Uttarakhand BJP on Monday sent a disciplinary notice to former party MLA from Jwalapar, Suresh Rathore, citing that “his personal actions are harming the party’s image.

” The BJP state leadership has now asked Rathore to provide an explanation within seven days. Rathore courted controversy when a woman from UP’s Saharanpur, Urmila Sanawar, last year claimed that she was married to him. The situation turned ugly when Rathore accused her of blackmail, while she filed a counter case against him by making serious allegations of assault. She also posted several videos of him on social media.The matter took a twist when Rathore and Sanawar appeared together at a press conference in Saharanpur some days ago and he recognised Sanawar as his second wife, though he hasn't divorced his first wife.

According to the law, a second marriage is not legally valid when the first marriage is still in effect. BJP state general secretary Rajendra Bisht told TOI, “The issue related to former MLA Suresh Rathore was raised at the party forum several times earlier, but this time senior party leaders took cognisance of his behaviour and activities on social media, due to which the party image has taken a hit.

Discipline and character are more important for the party, and strict action will be taken accordingly.” Meanwhile, the opposition Congress latched on to the issue and questioned why the state govt has not taken action against Rathore, given that he was openly flouting Uniform Civil Code (UCC) norms by indulging in polygamy. It is not the first time that Rathore has created a controversy. In 2021, a woman worker associated with BJP filed a rape case against him. Rathore also registered a blackmailing case against her, following which she was arrested. The matter is pending in court. Rathore told TOI, “I will give my reply only on the party platform.”