BJP suspends Goshamahal MLA Raja Singh from party

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday suspended its controversial MLA from Goshamahal Raja Singh from the party.

The party's central disciplinary committee issued a notice to this effect to the fire-brand MLA from Telangana. The show-cause notice was issued by Om Pathak, member of the BJP central disciplinary committee. It said that he was suspended from the party for violating the constitution of the party. While giving him 10 days time to furnish his explanation, it asked Raja Singh to respond by September 2 as to why he should not be expelled from the party.

Though, it is being seen as a welcome move by some sections, the party stunned everyone with an action of this severity against Raja Singh. The Goshamahal MLA is not new to courting controversies, mostly with his inflammatory comments and videos hinging on religious lines. Cases were also registered against him on several occasions earlier for his actions, largely using the social media platforms.

The mercurial legislator of the saffron party was incidentally arrested by the Hyderabad police on Tuesday morning for his alleged objectionable remarks. His video sparked a wave of protests and complaints from the Muslim community. Led by activists of the All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), they staged sit-ins in front of several police stations since Monday night causing tension and raising fears of a law and order situation.

Raja Singh was also in the news a few days ago when he threatened to stall the show of stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqi in Hyderabad. He accused the stand-up comedian of insulting Lord Sriram and Goddess Sita with a vulgar depiction during one of his shows in the past. However, the show went on as scheduled amid tight security.