Rebel TMC MPs Write to Om Birla, Seek More Time to Reply to Disqualification Notice

New Delhi: Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs have written separate letters to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking additional time to respond to notices issued in connection with disqualification petitions filed against them by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee.

The MPs, who have aligned themselves with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), were asked to submit their replies within seven days. With the deadline approaching, they have requested an extension of three weeks, until September 22, to prepare their responses.

Rebel MPs Seek Three-Week Extension

In their letters to the Speaker's office, the rebel MPs said the disqualification petition filed by Abhishek Banerjee contains several issues that require a detailed and appropriate response.

Banerjee had filed separate petitions seeking the disqualification of all 20 MPs. The petitions were submitted on June 18 under Rule 6 of the Members of Lok Sabha (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1985.

The MPs have argued that additional time is necessary to examine the allegations and formulate a comprehensive reply.

Notices Issued by Lok Sabha Secretariat

The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued notices to the 20 MPs on August 25 in connection with the disqualification petitions. The notices sought their comments within seven days and included copies of Banerjee's petitions.

The notices followed legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, where Banerjee had sought an expedited decision on the disqualification petitions pending before the Lok Sabha Speaker.

The Supreme Court also issued notices to the 20 rebel MPs on August 25, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on September 18.

Political Dispute Within TMC

The controversy stems from the rebellion of the 20 MPs, who broke away from the TMC and subsequently joined or merged with NCPI. The MPs have sought recognition as a separate political entity within Parliament.

Before the Monsoon Session, the Speaker's office had provided the rebel MPs with separate seating arrangements. However, they have not been formally recognised as a separate parliamentary party by the Speaker.

The developments have intensified an internal political dispute within the TMC and raised questions over the application of the anti-defection law to the MPs' move.

Abhishek Banerjee's Disqualification Plea

TMC national general secretary and Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee has been pursuing disqualification proceedings against the 20 MPs.

His petitions invoke the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection. The proceedings before the Speaker are therefore significant for determining the parliamentary status of the rebel lawmakers.

Banerjee had also approached the Supreme Court seeking an expeditious decision on the pending proceedings. The court's intervention has added another layer to the dispute between the TMC leadership and the rebel MPs.

What Happens Next

The immediate issue is whether the Lok Sabha Speaker will grant the requested three-week extension. If approved, the MPs would have until September 22 to submit their detailed responses.

The development comes at a politically significant stage, with the disqualification proceedings and the Supreme Court case continuing simultaneously.

The outcome could have wider implications for the 20 MPs, the TMC's parliamentary strength and the interpretation of anti-defection provisions in the current political context.