Expelled Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh on Tuesday said the decision by the party to sack him was a "blessing in disguise".
In a response that came minutes after the party's newly-appointed general secretary Mohan Singh announced the expulsions, including that of actress turned politician Jaya Prada, Amar Singh said the move was dictatorial.
"I had asked for a sick leave from the party for 14 years of work to rest. The party cannot function in a dictatorial and feudal system," Amar Singh, who had resigned from all party posts, told reporters in Lucknow.
"I have been called mad, shameless. This is what I got in return for 14 years of service. Had that not happened, I would have been taking a rest," he said, referring to Mohan Singh's earlier remarks against him.
Referring to party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Amar Singh said: "I will not say anything to Mulayam Singhji. He has blessed me. It is a blessing in disguise. He has liberated me."