Haridwar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken disciplinary action against its former MLA from Jwalapur, Suresh Rathore, by issuing a show-cause notice over his recent public declaration of a second marriage with Saharanpur-based actress Urmila Sanawar. The move comes amid mounting political and legal scrutiny, especially in light of Uttarakhand’s recently implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The notice, issued on the instructions of BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt, was signed by State General Secretary Rajendra Bisht. It accuses Rathore of indiscipline and conducts unbecoming of a party leader, stating that his actions have tarnished the party’s image. Rathore has been asked to respond within seven days.
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Rathore publicly acknowledged his relationship with Urmila Sanawar
The controversy erupted after Rathore held a press conference on June 15 in Saharanpur, where he publicly acknowledged his relationship with Urmila Sanawar and referred to her as his wife. Sanawar was present at the event, and the couple appeared together before the media. The announcement sparked a political storm, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of double standards on the UCC, which prohibits polygamy and mandates registration of marriages.
Sanawar later clarified via social media
Rathore, who is already married, has not publicly confirmed a divorce from his first wife. However, Sanawar later clarified via social media that their marriage had taken place on October 4, 2022, at the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal, in accordance with Hindu rituals. She claimed that the marriage was consensual and spiritual in nature, and that the recent press conference was merely a public acknowledgment of their existing bond.
Marriage occurred prior to the implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand
Sanawar also addressed allegations of UCC violation, stating that their marriage occurred prior to the implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand, which came into effect in January 2025. “Some people are deliberately spreading misinformation, claiming the marriage happened in June 2025, but the truth is it took place in 2022,” she wrote in a letter addressed to the BJP state president.
Sharp criticism from the Congress party
The issue has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party, which has questioned the BJP’s silence and demanded strict action under the UCC. Congress spokespersons have accused the ruling party of hypocrisy, pointing out that the same law is being used to regulate the personal lives of ordinary citizens.
Rathore, a veteran BJP leader and former head of the Ravidas Akhara, has remained defiant. He maintains that his marriage was lawful and spiritual, and that he continues to serve the party and the cause of Sanatan Dharma. “I have worked for the BJP for over 44 years and will continue to do so,” he said.
As the controversy unfolds, the BJP’s response to Rathore’s explanation will be closely watched, especially as Uttarakhand becomes the first Indian state to implement the UCC. The case could set a precedent for how the law is enforced among political figures.
