The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has filed 20 disqualification petitions against rebel party MPs in the Lok Sabha. The move comes amid a political crisis within the party, with several legislators switching allegiance to other parties.
Meeting with Speaker
TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, Kalyan Banerjee, Mahua Moitra, and Saugata Roy, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House complex in New Delhi on Friday. The delegation submitted the petitions and challenged the merger claims made by the rebel MPs.
Background
The TMC has been facing internal turmoil, with some MPs defecting to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other opposition parties. The party leadership has accused the rebels of violating the anti-defection law and has sought their disqualification from the House.
Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC's national general secretary, stated that the petitions are based on the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification on grounds of defection. He asserted that the merger claims are legally untenable as the rebels do not represent the original party.
Legal Implications
The Speaker has acknowledged receipt of the petitions and is expected to review them. If the disqualification is upheld, the rebel MPs would lose their seats, potentially triggering by-elections in their constituencies.
The TMC's action marks a significant escalation in the political battle, with both sides preparing for a legal showdown. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the party's strength in Parliament and the broader political landscape.
