Defection as merger: On politics, the wave of defections

The article discusses the increasing trend of political defections in India, particularly focusing on how elected representatives are using the 'merger' provision of the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) to switch parties without disqualification. It highlights recent instances involving Shiv Sena (UBT), TMC, and AAP MPs, where groups constituting two-thirds of a party's legislative strength claim a merger. The article points out that the Supreme Court has clarified that a merger must involve the parent party, not just the legislature party, but presiding officers often allow such claims due to pending judicial decisions. This trend is seen as undermining representative democracy and the spirit of the Constitution, especially by potentially altering the balance of power needed for constitutional amendments.