The CPI(M) on Wednesday expelled its former MP and Central Committee member Subodh Roy from the primary membership for “grave anti-party activities” with immediate effect. Mr. Roy, who represented Bhagalpur between 1999 and 2004, had lost the 2004 general elections to Sushil Kumar Modi of the BJP. In a 2006 by-election, necessitated by the resignation of Mr. Modi, the seat was won by Shahnawaz Khan of the BJP, who retained it in 2009. There are reports Mr. Roy is likely to join the Janata Dal (United).
