‘Anti-defection law has no provision for separate bloc’

Former Lok Sabha secretary general PDT Achary says TMC rebels could face constitutional hurdles ● Rebel bloc to meet Speaker on June 15

- PREETHA NAIR @ New Delhi

EVEN as the rebel faction of TMC Lok Sabha MPs said it would meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday to stake its claim to be recognised as the “real TMC”, constitutional expert and former Lok Sabha Secretary General PDT Achary said the rebels could face constitutional hurdles if they attempt to gain recognition as a separate bloc in Parliament.

Speaking to this paper, Achary said the anti-defection law does not allow for the creation of a ‘split group’ within a party.

On Friday, rebel TMC MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia said the group, which claims the backing of 19 Lok Sabha members, would meet the Speaker on Monday to press its case. Meanwhile, a purported letter addressed to Birla, containing the names and signatures of 19 TMC Lok Sabha MPs, was widely circulated, sparking speculation of a Maharashtra-style split within the TMC and an attempt to seek recognition independent of the Mamata Banerjee-led party.

However, Achary said the dissidents’ strategy is legally untenable under the Constitution’s Tenth Schedule.