AAP Leader Sanjay Singh Seeks Disqualification of Seven Rajya Sabha Defectors to BJP

<p>On <strong>26 April 2026</strong>, <strong>Sanjay Singh</strong>, the AAP leader in the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Rajya Sabha — the Upper House of Parliament representing states, with members elected by state legislatures; GS2: Polity.">Rajya Sabha</span>, moved a petition before the Chairman <span class="key-term" data-definition="C. P. Radhakrishnan — Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, responsible for presiding over its proceedings and deciding on disqualification petitions; GS2: Polity.">C. P. Radhakrishnan</span> seeking the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Disqualification — removal of a legislator’s seat for violating the anti‑defection law or other statutory provisions; GS2: Polity.">disqualification</span> of seven members who quit the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Aam Aadmi Party — a centrist political party founded in 2012, currently in opposition at the centre; relevant to GS2: Polity for party system and electoral politics.">AAP</span> and announced a merger with the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Bharatiya Janata Party — India's right‑wing national party, ruling at the centre since 2014; GS2: Polity.">BJP</span>. The petition argues that the defections breach the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Anti‑defection law — provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution that curb floor‑crossing by legislators, ensuring party stability; GS2: Polity.">anti‑defection law</span>.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Seven Rajya Sabha members, led by <strong>Raghav Chadha</strong>, resigned from <span class="key-term" data-definition="Aam Aadmi Party — a centrist political party founded in 2012, currently in opposition at the centre; relevant to GS2: Polity for party system and electoral politics.">AAP</span> and declared allegiance to the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Bharatiya Janata Party — India's right‑wing national party, ruling at the centre since 2014; GS2: Polity.">BJP</span>.</li> <li><strong>Sanjay Singh</strong> filed a petition on <strong>26 April 2026</strong> demanding that the Chairman invoke the anti‑defection provisions to strip the defectors of their seats.</li> <li>The party contends that the members were elected on an <span class="key-term" data-definition="Aam Aadmi Party — a centrist political party founded in 2012, currently in opposition at the centre; relevant to GS2: Polity for party system and electoral politics.">AAP</span> ticket, and their switch to the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Bharatiya Janata Party — India's right‑wing national party, ruling at the centre since 2014; GS2: Polity.">BJP</span> violates constitutional norms.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The anti‑defection law, enshrined in the Tenth Schedule, empowers the presiding officer of a legislative house to disqualify members who voluntarily relinquish party membership or defy party directives on a vote. The petition cites precedent where similar defections led to seat vacation. The outcome will affect the numerical strength of both parties in the Upper House, where the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Rajya Sabha — the Upper House of Parliament representing states, with members elected by state legislatures; GS2: Polity.">Rajya Sabha</span> currently has a slim majority for the ruling coalition.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>This episode illustrates the practical operation of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Anti‑defection law — provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution that curb floor‑crossing by legislators, ensuring party stability; GS2: Polity.">anti‑defection law</span>, a frequent topic in GS2 (Polity). Candidates must understand the constitutional mechanism for maintaining party discipline, the role of the Chairman in adjudicating petitions, and the impact of defections on parliamentary arithmetic, which can influence legislative agendas and confidence motions.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>The Chairman will examine the petition, hear representations from the accused members, and issue a ruling within the stipulated period. If disqualification is ordered, by‑elections will be triggered for the vacant seats. Both parties are likely to intensify political messaging: the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Aam Aadmi Party — a centrist political party founded in 2012, currently in opposition at the centre; relevant to GS2: Polity for party system and electoral politics.">AAP</span> will stress adherence to constitutional norms, while the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Bharatiya Janata Party — India's right‑wing national party, ruling at the centre since 2014; GS2: Polity.">BJP</span> may argue the right of elected representatives to switch allegiance. The final decision will set a precedent for future floor‑crossing cases.</p>