RS defections: SAD calls Mann’s move to meet President ‘political drama’

Chandigarh: Reacting to turmoil in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) said that Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann rushing to meet the President over the issue of Rajya Sabha defections is nothing but ‘political theatre.' The party stated that under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, action against Members of Parliament falls within the domain of Parliament and not the discretion of the President. It further added that the anti-defection law clearly lays down provisions regarding defections, including the requirement of a two-thirds majority of members for a valid split. Senior party leader Dr Daljit Cheema, in a post on social media, said that before seeking remedies that do not exist constitutionally, AAP must answer a fundamental question on the criteria used to nominate ultra-wealthy outsiders to the Rajya Sabha, instead of "Aam Aadmi" representatives from Punjab. He also said that people deserve clarity on whether citizens have the right to recall MLAs who have failed them, or if accountability is selective.He added that instead of symbolic petitions in Delhi, the AAP should face the people of Punjab. "If it truly believes in democratic morality, it should go to Raj Bhawan, Punjab, and request the governor for a fresh mandate. Only this would restore public trust," Cheema said. MSID:: 130512082 413 |