Chennai: On December 19, the ruling AIADMK expelled Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam's brother O Raja for alleged anti-party activities.
A statement which was signed by Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam said that Raja, who was the AIADMK coordinator, was removed "for having acted against the party's principles and ideologies, and for bringing disrepute to the party."
In a short statement, the two leaders said that Raja has been sacked from all the posts, including the AIADMK's primary membership.
O Raja had violated party discipline, the two leaders said and urged AIADMK workers to cut all ties with him.
The move comes on a day when Raja was elected to head a milk cooperative in Madurai.
The AIADMK, welcoming the action, said it would not tolerate any indiscipline, irrespective of the person's status.
Senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar said that the action against Raja would serve as a warning to anyone who tries to go against the party, which is a “disciplined" organisation.
He also welcomed the action taken by Panneersalvam despite him being his younger brother stating that this will be a lesson for others too.
(With inputs from agencies)