The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh has issued a show-cause notice to its Gonda district chief Amar Kishore Kashyap after a video surfaced showing him in an allegedly inappropriate interaction with a woman at the party office. The incident, recorded on April 12, became public recently and has stirred controversy within party circles and on social media.
In the video, Amar Kishore Kashyap is seen escorting a woman into the BJP district office in Gonda. The footage, captured on CCTV, shows the woman dressed in a salwar kameez walking ahead of him up the stairs. The BJP leader follows closely, puts his arm around her shoulder, and appears to hug her briefly before the two continue walking inside. The woman, according to Mr. Kashyap, is an active party member who had reached out to him for help, saying she was unwell and needed a place to rest.
BJP state general secretary Govind Narayan Shukla issued a formal notice to Kashyap, stating that the viral footage has caused damage to the party’s image and falls under the category of indiscipline. The notice instructs Mr. Kashyap to submit a written explanation to the BJP state office within seven days. Failure to respond satisfactorily could lead to disciplinary action.
"The video circulated on social media has brought to light conduct that negatively impacts the party's reputation," the notice reads. It further stresses that accountability is crucial for those holding leadership roles in the party, especially when public perception is involved.
A party worker, calling the video “shameful,” filed a complaint with the BJP’s leadership, demanding appropriate action. The footage has since drawn criticism online and is being widely shared, increasing pressure on party officials to respond swiftly. In his defense, Amar Kishore Kashyap maintains that the incident has been taken out of context. He said, "She felt dizzy while climbing the stairs, so I supported her. The video is being misrepresented to damage my reputation. If helping a party worker is considered wrong, I leave it to the public to judge."
While BJP has distanced itself from the incident, emphasizing that personal conduct must align with party ethics, internal discussions suggest that more scrutiny could follow. Kashyap’s explanation will likely determine whether he faces suspension or further disciplinary action. This controversy comes at a time when political parties across the country are closely monitoring their leaders' public behavior, especially in the digital age where surveillance and viral videos can instantly alter public opinion. The BJP has reiterated its commitment to internal discipline and zero tolerance for behavior that brings disrepute to the organization.
