New Delhi: These days a new development has become a topic of discussion in the country’s politics. The news of 20 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs simultaneously separating and merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has created a stir in political circles. The most interesting thing is that the sudden inclusion of 20 MPs in the same party which had a very limited electoral base and had secured only a few hundred votes in its initial elections is raising many questions. In India TV’s popular show ‘Koffee Par Kurukshetra’, the anchor and guests of the show discussed in detail the rift in TMC. The show’s anchor and India TV Senior Executive Editor Saurav Sharma, Political Editor Devendra Parashar along with Pradeep Singh and Anant Vijay were present as guests in the program.
Preparations were already underway
During the discussion, it was claimed that this entire incident did not happen suddenly, rather its preparations were going on for a long time. Many TMC MPs were in a state of dissatisfaction for a long time and were said to be in touch with BJP leaders. The role of senior BJP leader Bhupendra Yadav was especially discussed in this process. It was told that many important meetings were held at his residence in Delhi, in which apart from disgruntled TMC MPs, West Bengal leader Subhendu Adhikari was also present.
Why did the leaders join other parties instead of BJP?
According to political analysts, the primary objective of BJP was not to directly include these MPs in the party, but to increase its numbers in Parliament. This move is being seen as a strategy to garner additional support for passing important bills like women’s reservation and delimitation. For this reason, instead of including the MPs in BJP, the path of merger into a separate party was chosen.
legal debate intensified
However, the legal debate on this entire incident has also intensified. Different opinions are emerging regarding the legality of this step under the anti-defection law and the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. One side says that two-thirds of the parliamentary party members can merge with another party, while the other side believes that the matter will go to the courts and could lead to a long legal battle. The discussion also referred to past political examples of Arunachal Pradesh and Goa, where incidents of large-scale defection or merger of MLAs had taken place. On the basis of these examples, some experts believe that the current developments can also remain within the ambit of constitutional provisions.
Shubhendu and Nishikant played important roles
The role of Shubhendu Adhikari, Nishikant Dubey and other leaders was also said to be important in this entire matter. It was said that these leaders played an active role in understanding the long-standing dissatisfaction within TMC and giving it political direction. At present it is clear that the matter is not limited only to the change of party of MPs. Its political, legal and parliamentary implications will become more clear in the times to come. That is why it is not being seen as just a political operation, but as “Project Lotus”, the sequels of which are being watched by the whole country.
To see the complete discussion in detail, click on the video given at the top.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on the discussion at the event and the views expressed during the program are the personal views of the guests.)
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
