By The Sampadak Express
In a decisive move, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has expelled three sitting MLAs for what it termed “anti-party activities” and “ideological deviation.” The expelled legislators Abhay Singh (Gosaiganj), Rakesh Pratap Singh (Gauriganj), and Manoj Kumar Pandey (Unchahar) were accused of defying party directives during the recent Rajya Sabha elections.
The announcement was made via an official statement on the party’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, where the party accused the MLAs of aligning with “communal, divisive, and negative ideologies,” directly contradicting SP’s “socialist, harmonious, and progressive” values.
Dr. R.K. Verma, Deputy Whip of the Samajwadi Party in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, justified the expulsion, saying the trio had “betrayed the party and insulted the democratic process.”
“These MLAs won their seats on the SP symbol but went on to vote for the BJP during the Rajya Sabha elections, blatantly violating the party whip,” Verma stated. “That was not just political defection it was a betrayal of ideology.”
Verma was particularly critical of Manoj Pandey, who formerly served as SP’s chief whip in the Assembly. “Pandey was in a position of trust. Despite being the chief whip, he defied the party line. Whether it was due to pressure, money, or false promises, the BJP succeeded in luring them. Their actions were a blow to the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) movement we stand for,” he added.
While some observers questioned the timing of the expulsion, Verma dismissed such concerns, saying, “It may have come late, but it was necessary and completely justified.”
The move comes amid growing political realignments in Uttar Pradesh, with the Samajwadi Party reiterating its commitment to secularism, social justice, and the empowerment of backward and minority communities.