Rebels expelled from Congress in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 8 (UNI) The Congress in Kerala today expelled Pradesh Congress Committee executive member T Saratchandra Prasad and eight time Congress MLA K K Nair from the party for contesting against the official candidates in the Assembly elections.

The decision was taken after Mr Prasad and Mr Nair refused to withdraw from the contest, a party release said but did not specify for how many years they were expelled.

Both the leaders refused to withdraw their nominations yesterday, the last day of withdrawal of papers, even after the Congress leadership's efforts.

Mr Prasad is contesting in Thiruvananthapuram West, where he is pitted against Congress ally Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) candidate Shobana George.

Mr Nair will take on Mr K Sivadasan Nair, the official Congress candidate, at Pathanamthitta. The Congress accommodated Mr Sivadasan Nair, who sought Aranmula seat, at Pathanamthitta after the Aranmula seat was given to the DIC (K).

UNI PN1335