
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has taken the decision to expel former Uttar Pradesh MLA Imran Masood for his recent praise of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, citing indiscipline and anti-party activities as the grounds for his removal. Imran Masood’s statement in support of Rahul Gandhi has fueled speculation about a potential return to the Congress ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Imran Masood, an influential Muslim leader hailing from Saharanpur district in western Uttar Pradesh, expressed his admiration for Rahul Gandhi’s ability to comprehend the concerns of ordinary party workers. His statement triggered a response from the BSP leadership, resulting in his expulsion from the party.
In an official press statement, Janeshwar Prasad, the BSP Saharanpur district unit president, revealed that following reports of Masood’s indiscipline and anti-party activities, a probe was initiated by the party state unit. Based on the investigation’s findings, Imran Masood’s expulsion was deemed necessary. The party had previously issued warnings to Masood, yet his conduct remained unchanged.
Imran Masood had joined the BSP after the 2022 assembly elections, where he defected from the Congress to the Samajwadi Party (SP) along with his brother Noman Masood. He was appointed by BSP chief Mayawati as the coordinator for West UP, with the responsibility to mobilize the Muslim community’s support for the BSP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Janeshwar Prasad further disclosed that Masood was entrusted with launching a membership drive in West UP, but he displayed inactivity. His wife, Saima Masood, contested the mayor election from Saharanpur Municipal Corporation on a BSP ticket but was defeated by the BJP candidate. The party had conveyed that if his wife lost the mayor election, he would not receive a Lok Sabha election ticket. Despite this, Masood sought to pressure the party into nominating him as the Lok Sabha candidate for the Saharanpur seat.
Imran Masood, reflecting on his actions, admitted that he made a mistake by leaving the Congress before the 2022 assembly elections. He acknowledged maintaining a positive relationship with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra even after his departure. He emphasized his respect for both leaders and noted that he was not invited to the recent BSP meeting chaired by Mayawati in Lucknow on August 23.
Sources By Agencies