New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has announced that a formal petition has been submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman seeking disqualification of seven MPs who allegedly decided to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Citing provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (Anti-Defection Law), Singh said that several constitutional experts, including senior advocate Kapil Sibal, have opined that the membership of these MPs is liable to be terminated.
He stated that the petition has been sent to the Vice President of India, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, requesting an expedited hearing and a fair decision on the matter.
“Violation of Democratic Mandate”
Sanjay Singh argued that switching parties after being elected on a party ticket undermines the democratic mandate. He alleged that such moves are often influenced by pressure through investigative agencies and described the development as a betrayal of voters and the Constitution.
He emphasized that if elected representatives have ideological differences, they should resign and seek a fresh mandate rather than switching sides while retaining their seats.
Legal Battle Ahead
Referring to past Supreme Court judgments in similar cases, Singh expressed confidence that the law is clear and would be enforced. While acknowledging that such cases sometimes face delays, he said AAP would pursue the matter through legal channels.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Responding to speculation about further defections, Singh dismissed reports of MLAs shifting allegiance as “baseless propaganda,” asserting that public sentiment in Punjab is strongly against those who switched sides.
He also accused the BJP of spreading misinformation, particularly regarding allegations linked to properties and assets of AAP leaders, and warned of defamation action against those circulating false claims.
Call for Transparency
In a sharp remark, Singh challenged political rivals to open their residences for public scrutiny, stating that such transparency would reveal the truth behind competing allegations of extravagance.
The development has intensified the political battle between AAP and BJP, with the issue now likely to move into both parliamentary and legal arenas in the coming days.
