A Manitoba MLA recently expelled from the government caucus says he was punished for refusing to publicly back his party leader's explanation of a tense exchange in the legislature in 2023.

Mark Wasyliw, who was ousted from the NDP caucus last week, said Monday he was asked to refute Progressive Conservative cabinet minister Obby Khan for accusing NDP leader Wab Kinew of swearing at him and shoving him during an extended handshake.

Kinew denied Khan's allegation, saying there was only a "tense verbal exchange."

While addressing reporters gathered in the lobby where his law office is located on Monday, Wasyliw said he was seated behind the men during the handshake, which happened at an April 2023 public event to mark Turban Day.

Later in the day, the Fort Garry MLA says he received a call from party spokesperson Rebecca Widdicombe, who asked him to "go on social media and basically refute MLA Obby Khan's claims and to basically cast aspersions."

Wasyliw said he told his colleague he wouldn't do that because, based on his observations, he saw Kinew acting inappropriately.

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