111 Lawmakers Switched Parties Post-2022 Elections

Hindustan Times · politics

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that 111 sitting lawmakers switched political parties after winning elections between 2022 and 2026. These elected representatives include 26 Lok Sabha MPs, 7 Rajya Sabha MPs, and 78 state legislators. Nagaland saw the highest number of switches with 32 lawmakers changing affiliations, followed by West Bengal with 20. The report criticizes the declining ethical standards in parliamentary democracy, attributing these switches to a 'hunger for power and money'. ADR has recommended barring turncoats from public office and strengthening anti-defection laws.