The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has approached the Rajya Sabha Chairman, seeking the disqualification of three of its former Members of Parliament who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party has invoked the anti-defection law, arguing that the MPs have voluntarily given up their membership of AAP, which constitutes defection.
Details of the Petition
In a formal complaint submitted to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, AAP has requested the Chairman to declare the seats of the three MPs vacant. The party has provided evidence, including the MPs' public statements and photographs of them joining the BJP, to substantiate their claim of defection.
Names of the MPs
The three MPs in question are:
- N.D. Gupta
- Sanjay Singh
- Hari Singh
All three were elected to the Rajya Sabha on AAP tickets but later switched allegiance to the ruling party at the Centre.
Legal Grounds
Under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, popularly known as the anti-defection law, a member of a political party can be disqualified if they voluntarily give up their membership of the party or vote against the party's whip. AAP argues that by joining the BJP, the MPs have clearly violated this provision.
The party has also pointed out that the MPs did not resign from their Rajya Sabha seats before joining the BJP, which further strengthens the case for disqualification.
Previous Instances
This is not the first time AAP has sought action against its former members. In the past, the party had moved similar petitions against other defectors, though outcomes have varied depending on the political dynamics and legal interpretations.
Political Implications
The development comes amid heightened political tensions between AAP and BJP, particularly in the national capital. AAP has accused the BJP of poaching its legislators to weaken the party. The disqualification plea is seen as a strategic move by AAP to assert its position and discourage further defections.
Political analysts believe that the fate of the petition will depend on the Rajya Sabha Chairman's interpretation of the anti-defection law and the political will to act against the MPs. The BJP, on its part, has dismissed the petition as a political stunt, stating that the MPs joined the party of their own volition and that the matter will be dealt with as per rules.
Next Steps
The Rajya Sabha Chairman is expected to review the petition and may seek responses from the three MPs before making a decision. If the disqualification is upheld, by-elections will be held to fill the vacant seats.
Meanwhile, AAP has vowed to continue its fight against defections, calling it a threat to democratic principles.
