JD(U) expels two rebel MPs

New Delhi, Jul 24 (UNI) The Janata Dal (United) today expelled two of its rebel MPs Ram Swaroop Prasad and P P Koya for defying the party whip and voting in favour of the UPA government during the trust vote.

An emergency meeting of the National Office bearers of the JD(U) chaired by Party president Sharad Yadav was held here at which the decision to this effect was taken.

''The action against the MPs was taken for violation of the party whip, hence both are expelled from the party with immediate effect,'' Party General Secretary Javed Raza said here.

Mr Prasad, the MP from Nalanda in Bihar, had voted in favour of the UPA government's confidence motion, while Mr Koya, from Lakshadweep, had remained absent.

Earlier, the BJP had expelled eight of its MPs and there have been reports of some attacks on rebel MP Chandrabhan Singh by party workers.

However, Mr Raza said there was no such possibility in his party.

Regarding the controversy over the Left Parties demanding Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee's resignation, Mr Raza said NDA would take a decision on the issue at July 28 meeting.

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