New Delhi: Senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has issued a firm message to seven party MPs who have reportedly decided to break ranks. Addressing a press conference, Singh said that any leader elected on the party’s ticket must step down if they no longer agree with its ideology.
Call for Resignation Over Party Exit
Sanjay Singh made it clear that those who are planning to leave the party should first resign from their positions. He emphasized that holding onto a Rajya Sabha seat while switching allegiance is not acceptable.
Petition Sent to Vice President
Singh stated that constitutional experts have advised that the membership of these seven MPs is liable to be terminated. He revealed that after consulting legal experts, including Kapil Sibal, the party has submitted a petition to the Vice President of India, who also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, requesting disqualification of the concerned members at the earliest.
Accusation of Betrayal
The AAP leader accused the rebel MPs of betraying not only the party but also the people of Punjab who supported them. He reiterated that ideological differences should be addressed through resignation rather than defection.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak announced in a press briefing that they, along with five other party MPs, intend to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chadha further claimed that seven out of AAP’s ten Rajya Sabha members are set to merge with the BJP.