BJP sets up panel to probe ‘sexual favour’ charge against Mahoba unit chief

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh unit of the BJP on Monday constituted a two-member inquiry committee to probe allegations of seeking sexual favours levelled by a woman functionary against Mahoba district president Mohan Lal Kushwaha.

The committee comprises state vice-president Kamlawati Singh and Bundelkhand region general secretary Sant Vilas Shivhare.

The controversy erupted after the woman, a former district functionary in Mahoba, released a video message on social media accusing Kushwaha of demanding sexual favours to elevate her position within the party.

In her statement, she alleged that when she discussed the possibility of being appointed district vice-president, Kushwaha set a condition that left her shocked. She claimed that he asked her to accompany him to Delhi and Lucknow and threatened to remove her from her post or expel her from the party if she refused.

Sources said discontent was brewing within the district unit following the formation of the new executive body, but the issue escalated after the allegations surfaced publicly.

Kushwaha termed the allegation “baseless and fabricated” and said it was a conspiracy to tarnish his image.

The party is expected to take action based on the findings of the inquiry committee.