On 25 April 2026, AAP leader Sanjay Singh announced that the party will write to the Rajya Sabha chairman seeking the disqualification of seven MPs who quit AAP a day earlier.
Key Developments
- Seven legislators resigned from AAP on 24 April 2026.
- Party plans to invoke the anti‑defection law to bar them from retaining their seats in the Upper House.
- A formal petition will be sent to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Important Facts
The MP count of the seven defectors includes members from both houses, but the immediate legal move targets those in the Rajya Sabha. 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.
In the Lok Sabha, similar provisions apply, but the current petition focuses on the Upper House where the seven MPs hold seats.
Exam Relevance
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.
Way Forward
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.