LUCKNOW, March 10 -- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has expelled senior party functionary Vikram Singh, who had been serving as a coordinator for several divisions in western Uttar Pradesh, following allegations that he facilitated the induction of two criminals into the party without informing the leadership.

The action was taken after it came to light that Singh allegedly arranged a meeting between the two accused and Mayawati on January 22 and subsequently got them enrolled as BSP members. The development reportedly came to the party chief's notice after a media report highlighted the issue.

According to party sources, the two men were aspiring to contest the upcoming district panchayat elections on a BSP ticket.

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