Rajasthan BJP expels spokesperson over controversial remarks
BJP Removes Spokesperson Over Criticism of Party’s Treatment of Leaders
The Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled its state spokesperson, Krishna Kumar Janu, for six years after he publicly criticized the party’s handling of former governor Satya Pal Malik and ex-vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar. The decision, announced by BJP state disciplinary committee chairperson Onkar Singh Lakhawat, followed a disciplinary process initiated in June.
On June 20, Janu received a show-cause notice demanding an explanation for his remarks, which were captured in a viral social media video. In the footage, Janu lambasted senior BJP leaders for what he called the “humiliating treatment” of Malik, a former governor of multiple states and BJP national vice-president, who passed away this week at 79 after a prolonged illness. Janu also highlighted Dhankhar’s sudden exit from the vice president’s post, noting that both leaders hail from the Jat community.
In the video, Janu questioned the security of Jat community MPs, MLAs, and office bearers within the BJP, asking, “If this can happen to Malik, what’s stopping it from happening to others?” He added, “The BJP’s treatment of mass leaders is deeply disappointing.”
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Malik had stirred controversy by alleging he was offered bribes to clear major project files in Jammu and Kashmir and by challenging the BJP-led central government on issues like farmers’ rights and the Pulwama terror attack. Dhankhar, a prominent Rajasthan politician and former West Bengal governor, resigned as vice president citing health reasons, though opposition leaders claimed he was pressured to step down.
Lakhawat stated that Janu’s comments were deemed harmful to the BJP’s image and internal discipline, especially with key political events looming in Rajasthan. “He failed to provide a satisfactory explanation,” Lakhawat said, justifying the six-year expulsion.
The move signals the BJP’s firm stance against public criticism of its leadership, particularly when it involves high-profile figures and sensitive party matters.
