Muslim leader expelled from BKU

Muzaffarnagar: A Muslim leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) was expelled from the outfit allegedly for anti-organisation activities, fuelling speculation of a rift within the union following the recent communal riots here.

Senior BKU leader Gulam Mohammed Jolla, who was a close associate of late farmer leader Mahendra Singh Tikait, was expelled from the union over anti-organisation activities on Wednesday. BKU Chief Naresh Tikait confirmed the expulsion. Jolla, who had launched his own separate organisation over differences with BKU Chief Naresh Tikait in the aftermath of Muzaffarnagar riots, condemned the leadership of BKU Chief Naresh Tikait and his brother Rakesh Tikait. Meanwhile, some Muslim community leaders in a panchayat held yesterday at Balwa village, decided to keep away from the activities of BKU. The panchayat was attended by several Muslim village chiefs in the area.