Rajya Sabha Chairman accepts merger of seven AAP MPs with BJP
The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has updated its list of members, confirming the merger of seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan accepted their request to switch sides, increasing the BJP's strength in the Upper House to 113. AAP's Rajya Sabha leader Sanjay Singh has filed a petition seeking their disqualification, arguing the move violates the anti-defection law. However, the Chairman's decision to accept the 'merger' was not surprising to opposition leaders, who noted the delay in formal acceptance.
Key Points
- The Rajya Sabha Chairman accepted the merger of seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- This merger increases the BJP's strength in the Upper House to 113, while the Congress remains with 29 members.
- AAP has filed a petition seeking the disqualification of these MPs, citing a violation of the anti-defection law.
- The Chairman's decision was based on a letter submitted by the seven MPs informing him of their 'merger'.
- Opposition leaders expressed little surprise at the Chairman's decision, highlighting concerns about the anti-defection law's effectiveness.
Exam Facts
- Seven AAP Rajya Sabha members merged with the BJP.
- The BJP's strength in the Rajya Sabha increased to 113.
- The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is C.P. Radhakrishnan.
- The anti-defection law is outlined in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.