The Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a show cause notice to Rajeev Singh, a party MLA representing the Babina constituency in Jhansi district, following a scuffle on the New Delhi-Bhopal Vande Bharat Express. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 19, 2025, has drawn considerable attention after videos of the altercation surfaced on social media.

According to reports, the dispute arose from a disagreement between passengers regarding seat arrangements and an alleged "objectionable sitting posture." The situation escalated when the train reached Jhansi station, where the passenger was reportedly assaulted by individuals linked to MLA Rajeev Singh.

Conflicting accounts of the event have emerged. Initial reports suggest that the altercation began when the passenger refused to vacate a seat, allegedly at the request of the MLA or his supporters. Following the refusal, the passenger was allegedly assaulted at Jhansi station by associates of the MLA.

Rajeev Singh has filed a non-cognizable report (NCR) with the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Jhansi. In his complaint, Singh stated that he was traveling with his wife and son when a co-passenger behaved indecently. He claims that when he objected to the passenger's behavior, the man misbehaved further and later summoned others at Jhansi station, who also acted abusively.

However, a video circulating on social media tells a different story. The footage purportedly shows a group of men, alleged to be supporters of the MLA, physically assaulting a passenger. The video depicts the passenger being beaten, resulting in visible injuries and bleeding.

The BJP has taken swift action in response to the controversy. The show cause notice issued to Rajeev Singh demands a written explanation within seven days. The notice, signed by Uttar Pradesh BJP general secretary Govind Narayan Shukla, states that Singh's behavior has negatively impacted the party's image and constitutes indiscipline. The party has warned of "stringent action" if the explanation is delayed or found unsatisfactory.

The incident has also sparked political reactions. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate has accused Rajeev Singh of orchestrating the assault, alleging that he used his "goons" to beat up a co-passenger who refused to give up a window seat. Shrinate has further claimed that Singh is "close to Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah," adding a political dimension to the controversy.

Authorities have taken cognizance of the matter and are conducting investigations. Jhansi Railway SP Vipul Kumar Srivastava stated that the assaulted passenger indicated he would file a complaint after reaching Bhopal. The police have confirmed that action will be taken based on CCTV footage once a formal complaint is filed.

The Vande Bharat Express incident involving BJP MLA Rajeev Singh has raised serious questions about the conduct of public officials and the behavior of their associates. The BJP's decision to issue a show cause notice reflects the party's concern over the incident's impact on its image. As investigations continue and further details emerge, the incident is likely to remain a subject of public and political debate.