LUCKNOW: Two BSP leaders, who were arrested with firearms from a Faizabad hotel where Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was staying, have been expelled from the party for 'violating' Election Commission guidelines on carrying weapons, BSP sources said on Saturday.

Party supremo Mayawati has expelled PC Jatav and Sangram Jatav, who have been already released, on charges of violating the guidelines, the sources said.

"Carrying weapons during the elections was a clear violation of the EC guidelines," they added.

The two were apprehended on Thursday by the Special Protection Group personnel guarding Gandhi during routine checking at the Krishna Palace hotel, where the Congress MP had checked in.

They were, however, released the same night after verifying their credentials.

The two leaders told the police they carried the revolvers for their personal safety and that there was no malafide intention.