Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Hears Defection Petition Against Congress MLA Nirmala Sapre
In a significant political development just six days before the commencement of the state budget session, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar convened a meeting with Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar on Tuesday. The primary agenda was to deliberate upon the contentious case involving Congress MLA from the Bina assembly constituency, Nirmala Sapre, and her alleged defection to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Background of the Defection Controversy
The political storm erupted on May 5, 2024, during the fervor of the Lok Sabha elections, when Nirmala Sapre publicly crossed over to the BJP. Following this move, the Congress party swiftly demanded the annulment of her membership from the state assembly, citing anti-defection laws. However, in a curious twist, the BJP has yet to formally grant her party membership, despite her frequent visits to the party office. This limbo has allowed Sapre to technically retain her status as a Congress MLA, with no immediate disciplinary action initiated against her.
Frustrated by the delay, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar escalated the matter by filing a petition before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The case was heard by a double bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf. During the proceedings, the state government informed the court that the issue is currently pending before the Speaker and assured that appropriate action would be taken in due course.
Supreme Court Directives and Political Maneuvering
After his meeting with Speaker Tomar, Umang Singhar addressed the media, highlighting critical judicial interventions. "The Supreme Court has specifically queried the state assembly regarding the actions taken in this matter," Singhar stated. "The assembly's response indicated that proceedings are underway. However, it is crucial to note that several Supreme Court rulings mandate that such decisions must be concluded within a strict 90-day timeframe. Consequently, the Speaker is now actively summoning all relevant parties to hear their perspectives."
Singhar further emphasized that substantial evidence has been presented to the Speaker, documenting how Nirmala Sapre joined the BJP on a public dais during the Lok Sabha election campaign. "We have provided incontrovertible proof of her defection, and we anticipate decisive action against her in the near future," he added.
Allegations of Political Strategy and By-election Fears
The Leader of Opposition did not mince words in accusing the BJP of employing a calculated strategy. "It appears to be a deliberate tactic by the BJP to withhold formal membership from a rival party's MLA while simultaneously claiming the legislator's allegiance," Singhar alleged. He speculated that the BJP's reluctance stems from apprehensions about facing a by-election in the Bina constituency.
"The BJP is evidently concerned and aims to avoid a by-poll in Bina at all costs. They are acutely aware that if a by-election is conducted, they risk losing the seat to the Congress. I am optimistic that the Speaker will impartially listen to all stakeholders and render a just verdict within the next seven to eight days," Singhar concluded.
Context of Defections During Lok Sabha Elections
Nirmala Sapre, a first-time MLA, was one of three Congress legislators who defected to the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The other two defectors were Kamlesh Shah from the Amarwara seat in Chhindwara and Ram Niwas Rawat from the Vijaypur assembly segment. Notably, both Shah and Rawat were promptly granted BJP membership, leading to by-elections in their respective constituencies. In contrast, Sapre's case remains unresolved, creating a unique political impasse.
Sapre had contested the 2023 assembly election from the Bina SC reserved constituency on a Congress ticket and emerged victorious. However, in a dramatic turn of events in May 2024, she abandoned the Congress campaign and aligned with the BJP at a public gathering in Rahatgarh, attended by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Subsequently, she actively campaigned for the BJP's candidate in the Sagar Lok Sabha constituency, further cementing her shift in allegiance.
As the budget session approaches, all eyes are on Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, whose decision will not only determine Sapre's political future but also set a precedent for handling defection cases in the state. The outcome is poised to influence the legislative dynamics and electoral strategies of both major parties in Madhya Pradesh.
