Key Facts
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has invited Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee for a meeting on June 19 to present his case regarding the ongoing split in the party. The invitation was sent via email on Wednesday afternoon, according to party sources.
The development comes after 20 rebel TMC MPs demanded recognition as a separate group following their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. Speaker Birla has decided to hear both factions before making a decision.
Details of the Meeting
Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to meet the Speaker on Friday evening at 5 pm. The TMC received the email from the Speaker's Office around that time on Wednesday. The meeting is expected to last about two hours.
Earlier, on June 10, Banerjee had written to Birla urging him not to recognise any faction claiming to be a separate group within the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). He argued that the Constitution and anti-defection law do not permit the formation of a separate group within an existing political party.
Legal Arguments
In his letter, Banerjee cited a Supreme Court constitution bench judgment in the Maharashtra political crisis, stating that the defence of a 'split' is no longer available under the Tenth Schedule. He emphasised that the legal framework recognises only one political party, not rival factions.
Banerjee also contended that any merger claim would require both a merger of the political party and the support of two-thirds of legislators. Satisfying only one condition would not be sufficient under the law.
Rebel Faction's Stand
The rebel MPs, including Kirti Azad and Sagarika Ghose, have already met Birla and submitted their demand. They have merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and seek recognition as a separate group in the Lok Sabha.
Meanwhile, the faction led by Mamata Banerjee has also sought an appointment with the Speaker. Parliamentary sources said Birla will take a decision based on the law, rules, and regulations.
What Readers Should Know
- The meeting on June 19 is crucial for the future of the TMC in Parliament.
- Speaker Birla's decision will determine whether the rebel MPs are recognised as a separate group or remain part of the TMC.
- The anti-defection law and Supreme Court rulings will play a key role in the outcome.
FAQ
Why has Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla invited Abhishek Banerjee?
To hear his case regarding the split in the Trinamool Congress and the demand by 20 rebel MPs to be recognised as a separate group.
When is the meeting scheduled?
The meeting is scheduled for June 19 at 5 pm.
What did Abhishek Banerjee argue in his letter to the Speaker?
He argued that the Constitution and anti-defection law do not permit a separate group within a party, and cited a Supreme Court judgment that the defence of a 'split' is no longer available.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com