NCP expels couple for party with gangsters

The NCP on Wednesday expelled Mary Paulson Pallithara and Paulson Pallithara for “maligning the image of the party” by taking part in Christmas celebrations with alleged gangsters in Chembur. The police have already suspended some officials for attending the same Christmas party.

The NCP had initially “disowned” the Paulsons,saying its previous committees had been dissolved as it is in the process of conducting organisational elections. By expelling the couple now,the NCP seems to have accepted that they had been party members.

Mary was president of the women’s wing of the party’s Mumbai South-Central unit,while Paulson was a member. Investigations had revealed the involvement of Paulson in organising the celebrations.

NCP state general secretary Gurunath Kulkarni issued a statement on Wednesday announcing the expulsion,adding that the women’s wing headed by Mary had also been dissolved and fresh appointments would be made. He said the decision had been taken after consulting state NCP chief Madhukar Pichad.