MLA attempts suicide on being denied poll ticket

While it is common for disgruntled politicians to cross over to the opposition camp to clinch a ticket to contest elections, a sitting BSP MLA in UP had taken the shocking decision of attempting suicide after he was denied the party’s nomination in the forthcoming polls.

Sitting MLA from Hasanganj  constituency Radhelal Rawat was so disheartened to learn of his party’s decision that he consumed poison intending to end his life.

Rawat was rushed to the Chatrapati Sahuji Maharaj Medical University hospital, where his condition was stated to be serious.

Rawat had been earlier declared the BSP candidate from Mohan assembly seat after Hasanganj was merged with the former following delimitation and had a change of name.
The MLA filed his nomination papers a few days ago with much fan-fair, though he was not given the party’s symbol.

However, on Wednesday Rawat was shocked to learn that another candidate had filed nominations as BSP candidate from the constituency and that he was denied the seat.
“He was in a state of shock after hearing the news...later, he consumed some poisonous substance and became unconscious,” said one of his supporters, who was waiting outside the trauma centre at the hospital.

The incident triggered panic amongst local BSP leaders who visited the hospital to enquire after his health, despite refusing to comment on Rawat’s attempt to end his life.
His supporters have threatened to hold demonstrations in the constituency if the party refuses to offer him the nomination.