Punjab CM Mann Demands Termination of Defectors' Rajya Sabha Memberships

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged President Droupadi Murmu to terminate the membership of six Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP, alleging the move violated democratic principles. Mann emphasized that these MPs were selected by elected Punjab MLAs and presented an appeal signed by all AAP MLAs.

Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, met with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Tuesday, calling for the termination of six Rajya Sabha MPs' memberships following their defection to the BJP. Mann argued that the move was against democratic norms and principles.

The shift happened on April 24, when seven out of ten Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MPs, including prominent figures from Punjab, switched to the BJP, citing a departure from AAP's core values. Mann stressed that these MPs were 'selected' by Punjab's elected MLAs, highlighting the distinction between elected and selected representatives.

The Chief Minister presented signed documents from all AAP MLAs in Punjab, hoping for the President's intervention. The ruling party MLAs, gathering at Rail Bhawan, maintained optimism for just action. Mann described the defection as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy, asserting the importance of protecting Punjab's rights and interests during his discussion with the President.