TMC seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs as Speaker weighs anti-defection law

A delegation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, led by its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday to submit petitions seeking the disqualification of 20 party MPs who have defected to another political bloc.

The rebel MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, have claimed that they have merged with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCPI), a Tripura-based party, and should be allowed to function as a separate group in the Lok Sabha. They argue that since more than two-thirds of TMC's 28 MPs have joined the merger, the move is protected under the anti-defection law.

However, the TMC leadership contends that the defection is illegal and that the rebels should first resign from their parliamentary seats and seek a fresh mandate from the voters. Speaking after the meeting, Abhishek Banerjee said, “If you have been elected on a party symbol and two years later you claim you are joining another party, your membership of the Lok Sabha should end.”

The anti-defection law, outlined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, allows for the disqualification of legislators who voluntarily give up membership of their party or vote against party instructions. However, an exception exists if two-thirds of the party's legislators agree to merge with another party. The TMC argues that the merger must involve the original political party, not just its legislative wing, and that the rebels have not fulfilled this “twin test.”

Abhishek Banerjee submitted 20 disqualification petitions to the Speaker, stating that the rebel MPs have “sold their conscience” and that the people of West Bengal will not forgive them. He also alleged that some of the defectors have been offered central security or monetary inducements, and dared them to prove these claims in court.

The Speaker has noted that he will hear the other side before making a decision. Abhishek Banerjee expressed hope that the Speaker will act as per constitutional provisions and Supreme Court orders, saying, “We have left it to the Speaker’s wisdom. We hope he gives a fair judgement.”

The TMC had earlier written to Speaker Birla opposing any recognition or facilities to the rebel group. The opposition party, led by Mamata Banerjee, maintains that the disqualification is inevitable under the law.

This development comes amid a broader political realignment, with several TMC MPs shifting allegiance ahead of national elections. The final decision by the Speaker will set a precedent on the interpretation of the anti-defection law and its application to mergers of political parties in Parliament.