JD-U suspends rebel legislator for six years

Bihar's ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) Sunday suspended its rebel legislator Ravinder Rai from the party for six years.

JD-U president Sharad Yadav suspended Rai as he was involved in anti-party activities, party general secretary K.C. Tayagi said.

"Rai was suspended as his activities created bad image of the party. It is an action to maintain discipline in the party," Tayagi said.

It was first such action taken against rebel legislators who have been challenging the party leadership since last week's expansion of the state cabinet.

The action came after Rai, along with four other rebel legislators, Sunday met party president Sharad Yadav here and informed him about their stand and grievances. But Sharad Yadav acted only against Rai.

"Discipline in the party has to be maintained and indiscipline cannot be tolerated," Tayagi said.

Sharad Yadav, who arrived here from Delhi Saturday, listened to the rebel legislators and assured them that their grievances would be addressed by the party.