• Source:JND

Anti-Defection Law: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal gave a big blow to their party, claiming that 2/3rd members of the Rajya Sabha MPs of their party are merging with the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing a press conference with Pathak and Mittal, Chadha said, "We have decided that we, the 2/3rd members, belonging to the AAP in Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP."

Why Have AAP MPs Deserted The Party?

Speaking on the reason as to why AAP MPs revolted against their party, Chadha said they had given to choices: Give up publc work or quit the party. Chadha said, "I am telling you the real reason as to why I distanced myself from party activities. I did not want to be a part of their crimes. I was not eligible for their friendship because I was not a part of their crime. We had just two options - either quit politics and give up our public work in the last 15-16 years, or we do positive politics with our energy and experience. So, we have decided that we, the 2/3rd members belonging to the AAP in Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP."

Will They Lose Their Seats Under The Anti-Defection Law?

Rebel MPs unlikely to lose their seats if they are 2/3rd of the total members of the Rajya Sabha from their parties. Chadha claimed that 7 out of 10 AAP MPs have decided to merge with the saffron party, which means they are safe.

ALSO READ: 'Raghav Chadha Used As Tool For BJP's Operation Lotus': AAP's First Reaction To Rebellion By 7 Rajya Sabha MPs

"There are 10 AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha, more than 2/3rd of them are with us in this. They have signed and this morning we submitted the signed letter and documents to the Rajya Sabha Chairman," Chadha claimed.

Who Are AAP Rebel MPs?

Besides Chadha, Pathak and Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney and Swati Maliwal have decided to join the ruling camp.

ALSO READ: 'Didn’t Want To Be Part Of Their Sins': Raghav Chadha Reveals Why He Rebelled Against AAP

What Is The Anti-Defection Law?

The Tenth Schedule to the Constitution of India, also known as the Anti-Defection Law and the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959, deals with frequent party-switching ( politically known as "Aya Ram Gaya Ram"). The provisions of the law are administered by the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice. The law disqualifies MPs or MLAs if they voluntarily resign from their party or vote against party instructions (whip). There is an exception: If two-thirds of a party’s legislators merge with another party, they are not disqualified.


Also In News