The BJP on Saturday said it would take “cognisance” of party MP Shatrughan Sinha’s presence at the Opposition’s rally in Calcutta, indicating the leadership was weighing options of expelling the actor-politician.

“Sinha has been speaking against the party at various platforms. It is always important for the BJP to act against such people and the party will take cognisance of it,” spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

Rudy described Sinha as an “opportunist” and said the veteran wants to remain in the BJP to enjoy the perks of being an MP but participate in Opposition meetings at the same time.“Some people… abide by the party’s whip so that they don’t lose their membership. At the same time, they are so opportunistic that they can be present at any conclave,” Rudy added.

Sinha, who has been critical of the party for a long time, used Rahul Gandhi’s “chowkidar chor hai” (custodian is thief) jibe to take a swipe at Modi at the Brigade rally. He also said that he was with the “Bharatiya Janata Party” but before that he was with “Bharat ki janata”.

No action against Sinha had been taken till Saturday evening. Insiders said the party leadership was “very angry” with what he had said at the rally but was in two minds over expelling him.

“The party’s stand so far has been to ignore him (Sinha). Today, however, he has crossed all limits. We are considering action against him,” a BJP leader said.

Another leader said if Sinha were expelled, it would amount to giving him importance.

“He will be denied a party ticket in the polls and then he will be compelled to resign if he wants to contest from some other party,” this leader said.