NCPI appoints former TMC MPs to key national roles amid disqualification row

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has announced its national office-bearers, appointing seven former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs to key organizational roles. The appointments include several Vice Presidents and General Secretaries, following the move of 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs to the NCPI approximately four months ago.

This political shift has triggered legal proceedings regarding the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The Supreme Court of India has expressed its expectation that the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, will decide on disqualification petitions against the 20 rebel MPs expeditiously. While the Court noted it cannot issue direct orders to the Speaker, it emphasized the need for an early resolution due to the nature of the dispute.

The rebel MPs, who have aligned themselves with the NDA, recently sought a four-week extension to respond to the disqualification notices, citing the need to compile necessary documentation. The matter remains under intense scrutiny as the political alignment and legal status of these lawmakers are contested.