Somnath Chatterjee turns 79, to continue as Speaker

"He did not show the discipline that is expected from a communist. He was well aware of all the issues and therefore his action was an open violation," Vijayan added.

"The Central Committee decided that no member of the party should remain the Speaker of Lok Sabha after the withdrawal of support. We were asked to communicate this to him. He did not agree...we had no option (but to take action)," said Karat.

Terming the decision unfortunate, Karat said it was up to Chatterjee to decide whether he wanted to appeal against the decision.

"We had no options but to expel Somnath Chatterjee. It was unfortunate that we had to take disciplinary action (against him) and it was not a happy thing. To continue or not as the Speaker is his decision. It is up to him. But whether he will remain as our party member, that we will decide," Karat said.

"In our party constitution, there are methods and measures by which any party member can appeal against any disciplinary action. The only thing I am saying is that as far as my party is concerned we have exercised our party disciplinary machinery or method," he added.

Kerala Chief Minister and politburo member V.S. Achuthanandan also justified the move. "He was well aware of all the issues and therefore his action was an open violation of party discipline," Achuthanandan said.