Chennai, December 19: In a joint order issued by Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami and Deputy CM O Panneerselvam, the latter's brother O Raja was expelled from his primary membership of the AIADMK. The action was taken against Raja for indulging in "anti-party activities" and "bringing disrepute" to the party.

The statement further adds other cases of disciplinary violation by Raja, who openly defied the party line while contesting in the elections for milk cooperative head in Mudarai's Aavin. Notably, he won the polls held today. Jayalalithaa's Hospital Bill Rs.6.85 Crore; Rs 44.56 Lakh Still Pending.

Political experts claim that Raja was sacked on the behest of Panneerselvam. The siblings were recently at loggerheads due to the political differences among them.

While Panneerselvam was irked by his brother's defiance, Raja had levelled "nepotism" charge against the Deputy CM, accusing him of promoting his son instead of the full-time AIADMK cadres who have devoted years for the party.

Raja's political hold is said to be in Theni district, where he had earlier wrested the panchayat president seat in Periyakulam.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2018 06:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).