In a significant move indicating a tightening of internal discipline, the Samajwadi Party on Monday (June 23) expelled three of its sitting MLAs—Abhay Singh (Gosaiganj), Rakesh Pratap Singh (Gauriganj), and Manoj Kumar Pandey (Unchahar)—for alleged involvement in anti-party activities and repeated ideological violations.
The announcement was made through an official post on social media platform X, where the party accused the three legislators of aligning with divisive, communal narratives and supporting agendas contrary to the core values of the SP, including those that are “anti-farmer, anti-women, anti-youth, anti-business, anti-working class, and anti-PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak).”
Party Accuses MLAs of Ideological Breach
Releasing a strongly worded statement, the Samajwadi Party said, “The decision has been taken in the interest of the public and the party’s ideological commitment to inclusive, progressive politics. The expelled MLAs have consistently acted against the party’s fundamental principles, and their behaviour reflects a deliberate choice to support divisive politics.”
According to reports, all three MLAs were issued repeated informal warnings and were given enough time to realign with the party's philosophy, but they failed to engage meaningfully with the leadership or participate in organizational activities.
Fallout of Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting
The root of the current action dates back to the Rajya Sabha elections held last year, where all three MLAs had reportedly voted against the party’s official candidate. Since then, their estrangement from the party had become increasingly visible. They stopped attending party meetings, avoided constituency-level events, and were not seen at major SP functions or strategy sessions.
Reports say their absence from internal party deliberations had already signalled a deeper rift. Monday’s expulsion is being seen as the party’s effort to reassert control and send a clear message ahead of the upcoming state-level electoral battles.
Leadership Signals Zero Tolerance
The SP leadership reiterated that discipline and ideological commitment remain non-negotiable pillars of the party. “The grace period has ended for those who showed no signs of correction. Others who are still under observation will continue to be evaluated on conduct,” a senior leader said, hinting that more expulsions could follow if necessary.
Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is said to have personally approved the expulsion, signalling a renewed push to assert ideological clarity within the ranks.
