In a surprise move, former prime minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday opposed former Delhi chief minister Madan Lal Khurana's expulsion from the party, terming it as "unfortunate". He said it would have been better if Khurana was given another opportunity to clarify his stand.

In a statement, Vajpayee said Khurana has served the party and society selflessly for four decades and spread its message far and wide.

Referring to the charge of anti-party activities levelled against Khurana, the former PM said, "It would have been better if instead of action being taken against him, he was given one more opportunity to clarify his stand."

• I am hurt: Khurana

Recalling his recent meeting with Khurana, Vajpayee had expressed hope that keping in view his services to BJP, the party would give him another opportunity. Advani had accepted the recommendation of the party's Central Disciplinary Committee to expel Khurana for six years on charges of indiscipline on Wednesday.

Khurana was suspended from the party on August 20 and a show-cause notice seeking his reply within 10 days was served to him on August 22. On August 29, Khurana sought more time to respond to the charges levelled against him.