India, April 16 -- The Congress on Thursday suspended five Haryana MLAs from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect for allegedly cross-voting in favour of BJP-backed Independent candidate Satish Nandal during the Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16.

Haryana Congress president Rao Narender Singh announced that Shalley Chaudhary (Naraingarh), Renu Bala (Sadhaura), Jarnail Singh (Ratia), Mohammad Ilyas (Punhana), and Mohammad Israil (Hathin) have been suspended for anti-party activities. The action follows the recommendation of the state disciplinary committee and the formal approval of All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Rao Narender said that the five MLAs voted against the party's off...