In an interview with India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, senior Congress MP and eminent jurist Abhishek Manu Singhvi discusses the legality of seven out of ten Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MPs merging with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Singhvi argues that the merger violates the anti-defection law, explaining that the Tenth Schedule requires two conditions to be met for a valid merger. He states, 'Condition one, a political party X must agree to merge itself... And secondly... the legislature party of that political party, two-thirds of those approve of such merger.' Singhvi points out that the Aam Aadmi Party did not intend to merge with any party, making the MLAs liable to defection. He also criticises the Rajya Sabha chairperson for recognising the merged group without a reasoned order, noting, 'He has erred. He has in fact acted too much in haste by not giving a reasoned order.' Singhvi emphasises that the chairperson acts as an adjudicator under the Tenth Schedule and remains subject to full judicial review.
Days after voting in a record number in the just concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, all eyes are on May 4, the counting day when the fate of over four thousand candidates will be known.
Campaigning for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections has concluded as 142 constituencies, including Bhabanipur and Panihati, prepare for voting on April 29.
As West Bengal gears up for the second and final phase of assembly elections, India Today's Mausami Singh brings this ground report from Kolkata tracking the pulse of Muslim voters, their aspirations and more.
The phase two election campaigning in Bengal concludes with a massive fourteen-kilometer march led by the state Chief Minister. The roadshow covers four key constituencies in South Kolkata, including a highly contested seat where the Chief Minister is seeking a crucial victory. This election is described as a significant survival battle for the ruling party, facing tough competition from the primary opposition following recent controversies. The ruling party relies heavily on welfare schemes targeting women and youth to secure votes in diverse constituencies with mixed demographics. Meanwhile, the opposition claims they will secure a majority, making this one of the most fiercely contested elections in the state. The final results, which will determine if the current leadership secures a fourth term, are scheduled to be announced early next month. The intense campaigning highlights the critical importance of the upcoming polling phase for the political future of the state.
