Akali Dal expels rebel MP for abstaining during trust vote

Chandigarh, July 24 (IANS) The ruling Akali Dal in Punjab has expelled rebel party MP Sukhdev Singh Libra from its primary membership for defying the party whip by abstaining during the vote of confidence against the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Libra is the sitting Akali Dal MP from the Ropar Lok Sabha seat. He was expelled Wednesday by Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Libra had abstained himself during the crucial vote of confidence against the UPA government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday. The Akali Dal had issued a whip to all its eight MPs to vote against the government.

'He has betrayed the Akali Dal,' Akali Dal secretary Daljeet Singh Cheema said.

Libra is likely to be served a notice Thursday by the party following which the party will initiate proceedings to get him disqualified from the Lok Sabha.