Punjab CM Mann Meets President, Demands Disqualification of Seven Rajya Sabha MPs Over Defection
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann met President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Tuesday and formally demanded the immediate disqualification of seven Rajya Sabha members who switched allegiance from the Aam Aadmi Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Leading a delegation of Punjab MLAs, Mann submitted a memorandum at Rashtrapati Bhavan, arguing that the BJP’s acquisition of seven Rajya Sabha seats—despite holding only two assembly seats in Punjab—constitutes a violation of constitutional principles and democratic integrity.
Mann termed the MPs 'selected, not elected' and accused the BJP of engineering defections through coercive tactics and misuse of central investigative agencies. He cited the Anti-Defection Law, stating that the MPs should have resigned before changing parties and that their failure to do so renders their current positions illegitimate. He also referenced former AAP leader Raghav Chadha’s criticism of the BJP as a 'washing machine' for tainted politicians, now rendered ironic by his own move to the saffron party.
The Chief Minister called for constitutional reforms, including the introduction of a recall mechanism for MPs who betray their mandate, and warned that political patronage would not shield defectors from legal action in Punjab. He asserted that the state’s legislative representatives remain united and that the people of Punjab would hold the defectors accountable.
Mann also accused the BJP of systematically undermining Punjab’s interests, including disputes over Chandigarh, Panjab University, and central grants, claiming that financial allocations have been withheld to pressure the state. He rejected any threat from the central government, stating that Punjab would not tolerate political betrayal or constitutional subversion.
The President has received the memorandum, and constitutional authorities will now examine the issue of disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. The Election Commission and the Rajya Sabha Secretariat are expected to review the case, with further legal and procedural steps anticipated in the coming days.