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Authored by Riya Sharma and Neha Joshi, Team IndiaTwoday

Introduction

In a significant development from Uttarakhand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled former MLA Suresh Rathore for a duration of six years. This decision comes in light of allegations regarding Rathore's personal conduct and its impact on the party's image. His controversial two marriages have sparked heated discussions about the applicability of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in this case.

The Sequence of Events

Rathore, a former legislator from Jwalapur, recently made headlines after a press conference where he was accompanied by a woman named Urmila. Claiming to be an actress, Urmila asserted that she was married to Rathore in a Ghandharva marriage ceremony at the Pashupatinath Temple. The issue intensifies as Rathore already has a wife, raising questions about his adherence to the UCC that the BJP plans to implement in Uttarakhand.

Reaction from the BJP

The BJP's decision to remove Rathore follows considerable criticism regarding his actions, which the party’s state minister, Aditya Kothari, indicated were bordering on indiscipline. Kothari pointed out that while the BJP respects individual privacy, the public nature of Rathore’s situation forces the party to address the backlash it faces as a consequence. Rathore was issued a show-cause notice, and after failing to provide a satisfactory response, he was officially expelled.

Implications of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Uttarakhand's BJP government has been keen on establishing itself as the first state in India to implement the UCC, which aims to standardize family law concerning marriage and divorce. The UCC would prohibit the practice of having multiple wives while still married. With Rathore’s example, the party finds itself in a paradox: promoting a law intended to streamline marital norms while having a politician who openly flouts these very rules.

This situation brings forth an essential debate: if Rathore’s actions necessitate legal repercussions under the UCC, how will the BJP manage its narrative? Their proposed implementation of the UCC aims to provide equality among all citizens, regardless of religion, thus making Rathore's case a litmus test for the law's applicability.

Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Suresh Rathore will face further legal action under the UCC. The BJP's decision to expel him indicates their awareness of the potential political fallout, but they must now navigate the complex waters of legal and public perception. The eyes of the public are keenly watching to see how this political drama unfolds, and whether the party can reclaim its narrative in the face of internal challenges.

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