India needs new anti-defection law, says MP Manish Tewari

Congress MP Manish Tewari stated that the top priority of the upcoming Monsoon Session, which begins on Monday, should be for Parliament to set aside all other business and consider the urgent need for a new anti-defection law.

The Chandigarh MP said on Sunday that the current composition of the Lok Sabha no longer aligns with the mandate given by the people during the 2024 parliamentary elections.

“Look, the fundamental point is that in 2024, the people gave a mandate, and the Lok Sabha was constituted in accordance with that mandate. Today, two years later, the composition of the Lok Sabha is no longer in line with that mandate. It is contrary to the people’s mandate,” he said.

Tewari argued that the foremost priority of this Monsoon Session should be for Parliament to halt all other work and discuss whether a new anti-defection law is necessary.

He highlighted the need to end the opportunistic politics often referred to as “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram”, where politicians switch parties without regard to ideological or policy differences.

Additionally, Tewari mentioned the importance of identifying and highlighting genuine ideological or policy differences.

“A balance needs to be struck both inside and outside Parliament and the State Assemblies, because all these recent developments have worked to weaken Indian democracy,” the MP said.

Parliament’s Monsoon Session begins on Monday and will continue till August 13.