Former BSP chief expelled from party in Jammu

Jammu, Nov 27 (UNI) Former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state president Satpal Bhagat was expelled last evening from the party, sources today said.

Mr Bhagat, also Assembly co-ordinator and Block president of bordering Vijaypur constituency, was expelled by the senior leaders at a meeting chaired by National General Secretary and in-charge Jammu and Kashmir affairs, Narinder Kashyap, sources told UNI.

''The former president failed to implement the party policies and also remained unsuccessful in bringing the party to limelight despite holding top designations within the party,'' sources said.

''The high command decided to relieve him of his duties. Jarnail Singh will replace him as the new block president of Vijaypur constituency.'' The BSP is gearing itself up for the forthcoming Assembly polls scheduled to be held in 2008 and party leaders have decided to pacify the ongoing rift among the senior leaders for the betterment of the party, sources added.

''BSP National President Mayawati had visited the state to woo voters of all castes and religions. She also discussed party policies and strategy for the BSP ahead of Assembly polls 2008,'' sources said.

BSP is expecting atleast 15 seats in the Assembly elections as the party has a strong reputation in the rural belts of Jammu province.

UNI