AAP seeks disqualification of seven defected MPs from Rajya Sabha under Anti‑defection Law — 25 April 2026

<p><strong>On 25 April 2026</strong>, <span class="key-term" data-definition="Aam Aadmi Party — a national political party founded in 2012, prominent in Delhi and Punjab politics (GS2: Polity)">AAP</span> leader <span class="key-term" data-definition="Sanjay Singh — senior AAP spokesperson and party functionary (GS2: Polity)">Sanjay Singh</span> announced that the party will write to the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Rajya Sabha — the Upper House of India’s Parliament, representing states and union territories (GS2: Polity)">Rajya Sabha</span> chairman seeking the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Disqualification — removal of a legislator’s right to sit in Parliament, often invoked under the anti‑defection law (GS2: Polity)">disqualification</span> of seven MPs who quit AAP a day earlier.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Seven legislators resigned from AAP on 24 April 2026.</li> <li>Party plans to invoke the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Anti‑defection law — provisions in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution that curb party switching by legislators, ensuring stability of governments (GS2: Polity)">anti‑defection law</span> to bar them from retaining their seats in the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Upper House — the second chamber of Parliament, i.e., Rajya Sabha (GS2: Polity)">Upper House</span>.</li> <li>A formal petition will be sent to the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Chairman of Rajya Sabha — the presiding officer of the Upper House, responsible for procedural matters (GS2: Polity)">Chairman</span> of the Rajya Sabha.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="MP — Member of Parliament, an elected representative in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha (GS2: Polity)">MP</span> count of the seven defectors includes members from both houses, but the immediate legal move targets those in the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Rajya Sabha — the Upper House of India’s Parliament (GS2: Polity)">Rajya Sabha</span>. According to the anti‑defection provisions, a split or faction, even if supported by a two‑thirds majority, does not receive legal recognition; the legislators must either remain with the original party or face disqualification.</p> <p>In the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Lok Sabha — the Lower House of Parliament, directly elected by the people (GS2: Polity)">Lok Sabha</span>, similar provisions apply, but the current petition focuses on the Upper House where the seven MPs hold seats.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding the anti‑defection law is crucial for GS‑2 (Polity) as it deals with the stability of elected governments and the functioning of parliamentary democracy. The case illustrates how party discipline is enforced constitutionally, a frequent topic in questions on legislative procedures, party politics, and constitutional safeguards.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>The Rajya Sabha chairman will examine the petition under the Tenth Schedule. If the petition is upheld, the seven legislators will be stripped of their parliamentary privileges, triggering by‑elections. AAP’s move also signals a broader strategy to deter future defections, reinforcing party cohesion ahead of upcoming state and national elections.</p>