West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) on Saturday expelled the chairman of the party's medical cell. Dr Rezaul Karim was accused of "unlawful nexus with other political parties". The Congress is currently discussing seat-sharing formula with the Left.

The Left Front declared its candidate list on Friday. The list mentions Karim's name as a candidate from Birbhum. Interestingly, it does not mention which party he represents.

"It is unfortunately evident that you have enlisted yourself in the candidate list (in regard to the ensuing Parliament election 2019) of other political party without resigning from your existing post and party membership," mentions a statement issued by Bengal Congress president Somen Mitra.

However, Dr Karim has challenged the disciplinary action. He said that since he was not a primary member of the party, question of expelling him does not arise.

"My discussion with a senior leader of the left front to contest as an independent candidate was known to the WBPCC. I am not a known politician, rather I am known for our fight against victimization of doctors. I was attracted to Congress ideology and still I find it a very liberal and democratic platform. But, above all I am committed to bring the issues of health care and doctors to a larger audience through the electoral battle," he said.

However, this has once again brought out the differences between the Congress and the Left Front.