Omar expels Bhat for defying party decision

Srinagar, Apr 12 (UNI) National Conference (NC) President Omar Abdullah today expelled Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat from the party for defying the high command's decision.

The NC had decided to support independent candidate from Sangrama Shoaib Nabi Lone, the son of then Minister of State for Education Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone, who was assassinated by unidentified gunmen at high-security Tulsi Bagh area here on October 18 last year, in the April 24 by-elections.

However, defying the party high command's decision Mr Bhat went ahead with the filing of nomination papers and decided to contest as an independent candidate. He did not withdraw his candidature even after being told to do so.

Mr Abdullah expelled Mr Bhat from the party's basic membership for going against the party decision.

The PDP has fielded Javed Hussain Baig, the nephew of Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, while two other independents -- Zafarullah Beigh, and Abdul Rehman Lone --are also in the fray.

The Panthers Party has nominated Sonaullah Beigh and Javed Ahmed Qureshi is the Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate.

Bypolls will be held in Sangrama along with Rafiabad and Pattan constituencies on April 24.

The by-elections in Pattan and Rafiabad have been necessitated following the resignation of sitting legislators -- Moulvi Ansari and Mr Mir respectively -- after they left the NC to join the PDP.

The bypoll in Sangrama has been necessitated due to the killing of Dr Lone.

UNI AG YA VC2001