BJP expels former Punjab Minister Anil Joshi for 'anti-party' activities

Former Minister Anil Joshi was expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party for six years over 'anti-party' activities in connection with the farmers' protest. In reply to a show-cause notice issued by the party, Joshi asked if it is indiscipline to talk about the rights of Punjab farmers, arthiyas (commission agents), sheller owners, businessmen, small traders and workers.

Chandigarh:The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled former Minister Anil Joshi for six years for 'anti-party activities' over the last few days in connection with the farmers' protest. State BJP general secretary Dr Subhash Sharma said Joshi was making statements against the Central Government, party's central leadership and policies which were anti-party activities.

After the expulsion, Joshi said he worked for the party tirelessly for 35 years. My only fault is that I talked in favour of Punjab farmers, he added. Joshi, in his reply to the show-cause notice on Friday, asked if it is indiscipline to talk about the rights of Punjab farmers, arthiyas, sheller owners, businessmen and small traders and workers. He also asked if it is indiscipline to support farmers.

After replying to the show-cause notice, Joshi had met former Minister Master Manohar Lal and discussed in favour of farm laws, as per reports. However, Manohar, after Joshi's expulsion said one should not speak against the party.

Sparking controversy, the 57-year-old two-time legislator from Amristar in Punjab had critiqued state leadership for not giving the right feedback to the Centre on the farm laws. He also demanded the repeal of contentious farm laws openly, as per reports.

Joshi served as an MLA from Amristar North constituency in 2007 and 2012. He served as a Minister in Parkash Singh Badal government. He was defeated in 2017 Assembly elections, as per reports.