BJP requests President to refer ordinance back to govt

Swaraj denied that BJP earlier supported the bill on convicted MPs and MLAs and has backed out now.

She also alleged that there is a division in the government on the issue as some MPs are reportedly against the ordinance.

In the memorandum to the President, the party said the fact that this government can be “pressurised by the logic of the tainted” speaks volumes about its lack of integrity.

It further said procedurally it is improper to bring an ordinance in a matter which is already pending before the Standing Committee.

BJP supported the Supreme Court judgement of July 10 which said an MP or an MLA who has been convicted should not continue in office.

“The moral question being asked is once a provision has been held to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court should the Indian Parliament exercise its legislative jurisdiction to enable a convicted person to continue as a lawmaker,” the party said.