In an unprecedented action, the Punjab Assembly today expelled former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh from the House following his indictment in a graft case and declared the seat vacant for holding a by-election.
The expulsion of 66-year-old Singh, who was the chief minister from 2002 to 2007, came amid chaotic scenes with the Opposition Congress MLAs rising in protest against a resolution moved by the chairman of the nine-member House Committee, Harish Rai Dhanda.
This is perhaps the first time a former CM of any state Assembly has been expelled for the rest of the term of the House and the seat declared vacant in this fashion. Amarinder, who represents Patiala, called the action political vendetta and unconstitutional and vowed to challenge it in court.
Dhanda headed the House committee that indicted Amarinder for alleged irregularities in a land transfer deal in Amritsar.
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