In 1953, differences arose between Prasad and Lakshman, who was now the Vice President of the Kisan Sangh, regarding payment to the Fijian landowners to obtain land to construct a building for the Kisan Sangh. Lakshman was expelled from the Kisan Sangh and subsequently involved himself with organising the sugar mill workers. He became the President of the Fiji Industrial Workers Congress following the death of Ami Chandra in 1954 and was responsible for the gold mine workers strike of June 1955.