SWABI, Dec 27: A rift within the PPP in Swabi deepened after the district leadership expelled a party candidate contesting for a provincial assembly seat.

The action may affect PPP position on two National Assembly and six provincial assembly seats in Swabi.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Abid Hussain, PPP candidate for PF-32 (Swabi-II), said he would contest the election from the PPP platform. “Arrow is my election symbol. I will not withdraw in favour of anybody,” he announced.

He alleged that local PPP leaders had crippled his election campaign and he would challenge it in the court.

Mr Hussain, cousin of district nazim Shahram Khan and a diehard worker of the PPP, was expelled from the party by the district leadership on Wednesday.

He was accused of withdrawing in favour of the district nazim’s uncle, Javid Iqbal Tarakai, also a candidate for PF-32.