Story perspectives

TMC Rebels Seek Fourth Two-Week Reply Extension from Birla

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 10:07 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was asked by 20 rebel TMC MPs for a two-week reply extension.
The request was made on October 8, 2026, as the original deadline expired that day.
The request was the fourth time rebels sought extra time, following earlier extensions granted in September.
Rebels claim joining the Nationalist Congress Party Initiative does not constitute defection under the anti-defection law.

History

Historical Context

In 1985, India enacted the anti-defection law through the 52nd Amendment, adding the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution in response to frequent party splits. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi championed the bill, which passed the Lok Sabha with 380 votes in favor and 163 against. Today, Speaker Om Birla faces a similar procedural battle as 20 TMC rebels invoke the same law to contest defection claims. The 1985 precedent obliges the Supreme Court of India and Parliament to interpret the Tenth Schedule, shaping future significantly party-switching disputes.

1 of 2

Story summary

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was asked by 20 rebel TMC MPs for a two-week reply extension.
The request was made on October 8, 2026, as the original deadline expired that day.
The request was the fourth time rebels sought extra time, following earlier extensions granted in September.
Rebels claim joining the Nationalist Congress Party Initiative does not constitute defection under the anti-defection law.

1 / 2