Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre Claims Loyalty to Congress Amid Defection Row

Court Seeks BJP Switch Proof

Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre asserted in the Madhya Pradesh High Court that she remains loyal to Congress, even as Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar pressed for evidence of her alleged BJP defection. The court recorded her statement and directed Singhar to submit party whip copies by April 9. Next hearing fixes for April 20.

Singhar Files Termination Petition

Singhar, a senior Congress leader, petitioned the High Court in November 2024 to disqualify Sapre under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution. He claims her membership ended automatically upon switching parties. The move follows her no-show on a Congress whip during key votes.

Sapre Attends BJP Event

Sapre won the Bina seat in Sagar district on a Congress ticket in 2023. Tensions peaked on May 5, 2024, when she joined a BJP rally with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav amid Lok Sabha polls. Social media posts of her with BJP leaders soon went viral, fuelling defection charges.

High Court Division Bench Hears Case

A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf heard arguments on Tuesday. Sapre's counsel Sanjay Agarwal insisted no party switch occurred. Advocate General Prashant Singh noted the matter pends before the Assembly Speaker, with her statements already recorded.

Whip Copies as Key Evidence

Singhar's advocate Vibhor Khandelwal, appearing via video, promised party whip evidence by April 9. Viral images show Sapre alongside Yadav, but the court cautioned against relying solely on social media. "Present solid proof before the Speaker," the bench directed.

Background of Defection Dispute

Singhar first approached Speaker Raman Singh on July 5, 2024, citing anti-defection law violations. With no decision after months, he escalated to court. Officials indicate Sapre skipped Congress directives, raising questions over her allegiance in the opposition camp.

Assembly Speaker Hearing Looms

A parallel hearing awaits before the Speaker on April 20, aligning with the High Court's schedule. Sources say Singhar's evidence could sway proceedings. Sapre maintains her Congress ties, denying any formal BJP entry.

Political Fallout in Madhya Pradesh

The row exposes rifts in state politics, testing anti-defection norms post-2023 polls. Congress accuses BJP of poaching, while ruling side calls it internal discord. Public eyes the outcome amid ongoing National and International News on similar cases.

Future Course of Action

Singhar must file whip documents soon. Courts stress authentic evidence over online buzz. This Bina MLA defection saga could redefine loyalty tests in Madhya Pradesh assembly, with implications for India News Update on political stability.