The much expected decision to axe Tohra, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha, was taken at a meeting of the PAC chaired by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal who is also the party president. Tohra, who is also a member of the PAC, abstained. His associate Surjan Singh Thekedar also stayed back.

Apart from inviting the charge of indulging in anti-party activities, Tohra has also been targeted for hobnobbing with the Congress.

The expulsion of Tohra would pave the way for formalising the split in the Akali Dal, though it would not immediately have any impact on the party's legislative wing as the supporters of the former SGPC chief lack the required one-third strength.