Uttar Pradesh witnessed a significant political upheaval on Monday. The Samajwadi Party (SP) expelled three of its MLAs, citing anti-party activities.
Lucknow: A political earthquake shook Uttar Pradesh on Monday when the Samajwadi Party (SP) expelled three of its MLAs, accusing them of anti-party activities. The most prominent among the expelled MLAs is Manoj Pandey, MLA from Unchahar, who in an exclusive interview with ABP Live stated, “I am not a rebel; I have merely exercised my constitutional rights.”
Manoj Pandey's Blunt Response After Expulsion from SP
Manoj Pandey, former chief whip and senior leader of the SP, reacting to his expulsion, said, "Calling me a rebel is incorrect. Even when I was leaving the party, I was the chief whip. The Supreme Court has clearly stated that MLAs can vote according to their wish in Rajya Sabha elections. This is my constitutional right, not treachery." He further stated that this question should be posed to those party leaders who created the circumstances leading to this situation.
In his interview, Manoj Pandey also revealed the real reason behind his distancing from the SP. He explicitly stated that he cannot remain in a party where the Ramcharitmanas is criticized, the Ganges river is referred to as a 'drain,' and derogatory remarks are made against Sita Mata. In a country with a population of 1.35 billion, approximately 1.1 billion are Sanatanis. How can their religious sentiments be trifled with? I opposed this within the party, but when my concerns were ignored, I had to make a decision.
Politics is Not a Means of Earning Money for Me
The former SP MLA claimed that he chose politics for service and respect, not for convenience and profit. He said: "Politics for me is not a source of income, but a commitment to bring respect to every section of society, be it the poor, the Dalit, or the forward and backward castes." Regarding questions raised about the word 'anugrah' (favor), Manoj Pandey clarified that he does not need the favor of any party or leader. "I only need the blessings of the people of Unchahar, Mother India, and God. I don't need anyone else's favor."
