Press release vs defamation notice: Tensions heighten between Sangeet Som and Sanjeev Baliyan

Sangeet Som and Sanjeev Baliyan

The controversy surrounding BJP leader Sangeet Som's press conference in Meerut has escalated following the distribution of pamphlets containing serious allegations against former Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan. In response, Sanjeev Sehrawat, implicated in the pamphlets, has issued a statement denying the accusations and threatening legal action against Som.

"I have sent a defamation notice of Rs 10 crore to Sangeet Som," Sehrawat said. "If Som fails to respond within a week, I will proceed with legal action against him."

The controversy has deepened with political implications, especially following Baliyan's recent electoral defeat from the Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha constituency. Both leaders have been vocal, with Som reaffirming his stance against what he terms as baseless accusations, while Baliyan's camp asserts innocence and condemns what they describe as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

The allegations surfaced during Som's press conference at his residence in Meerut Cantt, where a two-page press note accused Sanjeev Balyan of corruption and land acquisitions, among other charges. Despite the note bearing Som's name, the BJP leader distanced himself from its contents when questioned by the media.

"I do not know who distributed these pamphlets and why," Som responded. "I saw some individuals distributing them during the press conference. This could be a setup to tarnish my image."

He said: "I have filed a formal complaint with Lalkurti police station urging swift action against those responsible for the pamphlets. Such malicious attempts to defame must be met with strict consequences."

The press conference, hosted at Som's heavily secured residence under Z category protection, raised questions about security protocols as the pamphlets were distributed despite CCTV surveillance throughout the property, but none in the press conference room.

Following the incident, Som lodged a formal complaint at Lalkurti police station, urging an investigation into the unauthorized use of his name and letterhead.

"We are investigating the complaint filed by Sangeet Som regarding the distribution of pamphlets at his residence," a Meerut police official confirmed. "CCTV footage and other evidence will be thoroughly examined to identify the perpetrators."

ADG (Law and Order) DK Thakur told Money Control: "The police are diligently conducting inquiries into this matter. Our actions will be guided by the findings of our investigation into these serious allegations."

In response, Baliyan's legal team swiftly retaliated with a defamation notice amounting to Rs 10 crore against Som, contesting the veracity of the allegations printed in the distributed pamphlets. The notice, sent by advocate Sahdev Beniwal, refuted claims that Baliyan had assisted Sanjeev Sehrawat alias Sanjeev Khardu in acquiring land in Australia, emphasizing that no such favors or arrangements were ever facilitated.

Old Conflict:

The conflict between BJP leaders Sangeet Som and Sanjeev Balyan has its roots in 2021, with the first public rift appearing during the 2022 elections. Sangeet Som, the BJP candidate from the Sardhana assembly segment, reportedly faced opposition from Sanjeev Balyan, the MP from Muzaffarnagar, which contributed to Som's defeat.

This internal strife resurfaced and intensified during the 2024 elections, as Som reciprocated the opposition, further deepening the divide between the two senior leaders. The ongoing tensions have now escalated into legal battles and public accusations, underscoring the factionalism within the party.