Trinamool Congress MPs Kirti Azad and Sagarika Ghose met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek formal recognition of the party as a single unit [1].
The move comes amid internal friction and alleged efforts to divide the party. If successful, this petition could prevent a legal split and protect the party's official status under the anti-defection law [2].
The lawmakers visited the Speaker's residence in New Delhi to submit a petition [1]. They said that the current attempts to split the Trinamool Congress are unconstitutional [1]. By seeking a formal declaration of the party as a single entity, the MPs aim to solidify the organizational structure and block dissident factions from gaining legitimacy [2].
The petition specifically invokes the anti-defection law to argue against the legitimacy of any proposed split [2]. The MPs said that such an attempt violates the constitutional framework governing political parties and their representatives in the legislature [1].
Speaker Om Birla received the representatives at his residence to discuss the matter [1]. The petition emphasizes that the Trinamool Congress must be recognized as one cohesive body to ensure stability within the house [2].
This action reflects a strategic effort to use parliamentary authority to resolve internal disputes. By involving the Speaker, the MPs are attempting to create a legal barrier against any factionalism that could lead to the loss of party symbols or seats [2].
“attempts to split the party unconstitutional”
This move is a preemptive legal strike to prevent a formal party schism. Under India's anti-defection law, a split is only recognized if a specific percentage of legislators agree to it; by petitioning the Speaker for 'single party' recognition, the MPs are attempting to freeze the party's status and disqualify any breakaway group from claiming the party's official identity or assets.
