By Muslim Mirror Staff
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has expelled former Uttar Pradesh MLA Imran Masood from its ranks on grounds of indiscipline and anti-party activities. The decision comes following Masood’s recent praise of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, sparking rumors of a potential reunion with the Congress ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Masood’s expulsion was announced by Janeshwar Prasad, the president of the BSP’s Saharanpur district unit. According to Prasad, reports of Masood’s indulgence in activities contrary to the party’s interests prompted a thorough inquiry by the state unit. Based on the findings of the investigation, Masood’s membership was revoked. Despite prior warnings from the party leadership, Masood persisted in his actions, leading to this action.
A prominent Muslim figure hailing from Saharanpur district in western Uttar Pradesh, Imran Masood had switched allegiances multiple times in recent years. His journey included a shift from the Congress to the Samajwadi Party (SP) before eventually joining the BSP after the 2022 assembly elections. His brother, Noman Masood, had aligned with the BSP during the same period.
BSP Chief Mayawati had appointed Imran Masood as the coordinator for West Uttar Pradesh, entrusting him with the responsibility of garnering support from the Muslim community for the BSP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
However, Prasad noted that Masood’s involvement had been lackluster, despite being assigned the role of launching a membership drive in West UP. The performance of Masood’s wife, Saima Masood, in the mayoral election of Saharanpur Municipal Corporation on a BSP ticket also proved unfavorable for the party, with Saima’s defeat by the BJP candidate. It had been explicitly communicated to Masood that his wife’s loss in the election would lead to him being denied a Lok Sabha election ticket.
In the aftermath of his expulsion, Masood admitted to a “mistake” in leaving the Congress before the 2022 assembly elections. He attributed the decision to pressure from his supporters. He maintained that he holds a positive relationship with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, further suggesting a lingering affiliation with the party.
Masood’s absence was notably felt at a recent party meeting chaired by Mayawati in Lucknow on August 23. This absence, coupled with his recent praise of Rahul Gandhi, has fueled speculations that Masood might contemplate a return to the Congress fold as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near.