New Delhi, March 28, 2015, (IANS) AAP founder members Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, who had challenged Arvind Kejriwal's leadership, were today removed from the party's powerful National Executive by an overwhelming majority at the National Council meet, a move slammed as "murder of democracy" by the duo.

Amid high drama, a resolution to remove the two dissident leaders was passed by around 230 of around 300 National Council members present in the meeting.

After making an emotional speech, party Chief Arvind Kejriwal left the venue before the resolution to remove the two leaders was introduced by Manish Sisodia.

"It was a murder of democracy. Everything played out in accordance with a predetermined script and the resolution was moved and passed within minutes completely disregarding laid down procedures. It was a total farce," said a visibly agitated Yadav.

Yadav's supporters Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha were also removed from the National Executive at the meeting.

Yadav alleged that a number of NC members opposed to the resolution suffered injuries as they were heckled by "bouncers" and "outside goons".

Bhushan alleged that there was bogus voting in the meeting and Kejriwal came fully prepared to "kick us out" from the party.

"Whatever Kejriwal was heard saying in a sting yesterday was played out in the entirety in today's meeting. There was no distinction between members and others. There was no discussion, no secret vote, no showing of votes in the meeting," the eminent lawyer said.

Photo Credit:  Zeenews