PDP expels senior leader for “anti-party” activities

Regional Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday expelled one of its senior-most leaders and former minister Altaf Bukhari for indulging in “anti-party” activities.

“(The) party today (Saturday) expelled Altaf Bukhari from the party for his anti-party activities,” the PDP said on Twitter.

“Party has been watching with concern the activities of Altaf Bukhari for quite some time and thereby stands expelled from the basic membership of the party,” it said.

The PDP accused Bukhari of perusing his personal political ambition at the cost of the party and state's interest.

“Bukhari inspired and led dissent in the party at its most crucial stage which resulted in serious damage to our efforts at implementing the agenda of alliance of our coalition government," a PDP spokesman later said in a statement.

Reacting to the development, Bukhari said, “I am happy that the party has taken a decision to expel me. I feel relieved from a huge burden.”