The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has formally submitted a petition to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, urging the termination of seven Members of Parliament who recently resigned from the party. The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions within the party and reflects its attempt to enforce party discipline under parliamentary rules.
According to party sources, the petition was addressed to Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, requesting action under the anti-defection provisions of the Constitution. AAP leaders argued that the MPs, despite resigning from the party, continue to hold their seats in the Upper House, which were originally secured on the party’s mandate. The party maintains that allowing them to retain their positions undermines democratic accountability and the spirit of the anti-defection law.
The seven MPs reportedly parted ways with AAP following internal disagreements and political differences that have surfaced in recent months. Party officials have stated that their resignation from the organization should automatically lead to the cessation of their membership in the Rajya Sabha, as they were elected based on the party’s support and symbol.
Legal experts note that under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, commonly known as the anti-defection law, a member of Parliament can be disqualified if they voluntarily give up membership of their political party. However, the final decision rests with the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who must examine the petition, seek responses from the concerned MPs, and determine whether the conditions for disqualification have been met.
Senior leaders within the Aam Aadmi Party have emphasized that the petition is not merely political but aims to uphold constitutional norms and maintain the integrity of parliamentary democracy. They argue that political defections without consequences weaken party systems and voter trust.
The development is expected to trigger legal and political debates in the coming weeks, as the affected MPs may challenge the petition and defend their right to continue as members of the Rajya Sabha. The Chairman’s ruling will likely set an important precedent regarding party resignations and parliamentary membership in India’s evolving political landscape.
Political observers believe the outcome could influence party discipline across the political spectrum and shape future interpretations of the anti-defection law in the country.
