The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to strengthen its numbers in the Rajya Sabha after a major development within the Aam Aadmi Party. Seven of its 10 MPs in the Upper House have announced a merger with the Bharatiya Janata Party, informing Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan of their decision.
The move, led by former deputy leader Raghav Chadha, includes senior leaders such as Ashok Mittal. Chadha said that two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members had invoked constitutional provisions to merge with the BJP, a threshold that could protect them from disqualification under the anti-defection law.
Under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, legislators can avoid disqualification if at least two-thirds of a party’s members agree to merge with another party. However, the final decision rests with the Chairman, who must determine whether the merger meets legal requirements.
If accepted, the BJP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha could rise from 106 to 113, while the NDA’s tally may increase from 141 to 148. The ruling alliance is also eyeing further gains later this year as more seats fall vacant.
The announcement has triggered sharp reactions within AAP. Party leader Sanjay Singh said he would seek disqualification of the defecting MPs, arguing that their move amounts to voluntarily giving up party membership. Constitutional experts, including former Lok Sabha Secretary General P. D. T. Achary, noted that protection from disqualification applies only if the “original political party” is deemed to have merged — a point that could become contentious.
The issue may also reach the Election Commission of India if rival factions stake claim to the party’s name and symbol. In such cases, the Commission decides based on legislative majority or may temporarily freeze the symbol.
The development echoes a similar 2019 episode when a faction of the Telugu Desam Party merged with the BJP in the Rajya Sabha and avoided disqualification.
The AAP currently holds 10 Rajya Sabha seats and three Lok Sabha MPs, apart from governing Punjab and having representation in several other states.
Comments are closed.