सात AAP राजसभा सांसद BJP के साथ मिलते हैं, ऊपरी सदन में NDA बहुमत को बढ़ाते हुए

Key Insight

AAP Rajya Sabha defections give BJP a historic majority, testing the anti‑defection law.

Key Facts

1. On 24 April 2026, seven out of ten AAP Rajya Sabha MPs merged with the BJP.
2. The merger raised the BJP's strength in the Rajya Sabha to 113 seats.
3. The combined strength of the NDA in the Upper House crossed the 50% mark for the first time.
4. Under the Tenth Schedule, a party merger is valid only if at least two‑thirds of the legislature party consent.
5. The Supreme Court (2023) clarified that the two‑thirds rule applies to the legislature party, not merely to party members.
6. AAP has filed a legal challenge questioning the applicability of the merger exception under the anti‑defection law.

Background

The Rajya Sabha, as the Upper House, plays a crucial role in passing legislation; a majority for the ruling NDA alters the dynamics of bill approval. The episode tests the anti‑defection law (Tenth Schedule) and highlights judicial interpretation of party versus legislature party, a key topic in GS‑2 Polity.

UPSC Syllabus

• Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
• GS2 — Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, powers and privileges

Mains Angle

GS‑2 (Polity) – Discuss the adequacy of the anti‑defection law in curbing opportunistic defections, using the 2026 AAP‑BJP merger as a case study.