In a major embarrassment, the BJP Saturday inducted a retired IAS officer in the party fold in the presence of senior leaders before dropping him hours later after being questioned about the new inductee’s tainted past. AdvertisingAs part of its ongoing membership drive, state party president Shawait Malik in the presence of Union Minister Som Parkash and other senior leaders, inducted retired IAS officer Dr Swaran Singh into the party. Later, when media questioned the BJP leaders about the alleged tainted past of the officer, the party cancelled his membership. Both Swaran Singh and Malik could not be reached for comments. District BJP president Raman Pubby confirmed that Swaran Singh had joined the party but the membership was cancelled on the directions of state president.

Source: Indian Express July 20, 2019 21:22 UTC