CJP Backs Stricter Anti-Defection Ban, Seeks 20-Year Bar for Defectors

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenor Saurav Das has welcomed senior advocate Kapil Sibal's proposal to impose a 10-year ban on MPs and MLAs who defect to another political party for money or under pressure. However, Das noted that the CJP had previously sought an even stricter measure — a 20-year ban on contesting elections or holding public office for legislators who switch parties after being elected on another party's symbol.

Das criticized political defections as a "fraud committed on the country," citing instances of large-scale bribery and government destabilization. He described the existing Anti-Defection Law, introduced through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment in 1985, as outdated and alleged misuse by the ruling party in pursuit of political advantage.

"The young will change this," Das said, expressing confidence that stricter provisions against defection would eventually be implemented to strengthen democratic accountability.