2024 Lok Sabha Elections: More Than 25% of BJP Candidates in Fluid Friendships as Defectors

There have been approximately 2,700 defections at the state level between 1967 and 1983, with 15 defectors going on to become chief ministers. Despite the presence of the anti-defection law, it remains easy to bypass. The Supreme Court’s rulings have not effectively curbed this issue.

In the period between 2016 and 2020, out of 405 MLAs who switched political parties, almost 45% joined the BJP. Similarly, over 60% of the 16 Rajya Sabha MPs who switched parties joined the BJP. Several instances have occurred in recent history where democratically elected state governments have been toppled through defections.

This resulted in the formation of BJP-led governments in certain states. Ongoing instances reflect the urgent need to reassess the existing anti-defection law and strengthen it. It is vital to halt the blatant subversion of people’s mandates.

These instances have pointed to the necessity for a reevaluation of the current anti-defection law and the need to strengthen it. Blatant manipulation of people’s mandates must be stopped.