Ex-VP Naidu calls for strengthening anti-defection law, end to freebies in polls

Former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu on April 23 sounded a word of caution against “frequent party hopping” by political leaders, terming it a “disturbing trend”. Mr. Naidu called for the strengthening of the anti-defection law, the Constitution (52nd Amendment) Act of 1985.

He was speaking at a function organised at his residence in New Delhi, a day after he received the Padma Vibhushan award from President Droupadi Murmu at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“Defections are being encouraged. We should strengthen the anti-defection law,” he said. “The latest trend is — this morning you are in one party, then you quit and join another. Inside [in the old party], you were praising your leader and then, left and right you are abusing [the same leader]. Some are favoured with a ticket also. This is a disturbing trend,” he said.