Decode Politics: Dhankhar refuses to appoint Raghav Chadha AAP’s interim leader in Rajya Sabha — what the rules say

But sources in the Rajya Sabha secretariat said the request was rejected as there was no provision for the appointment of an interim leader of a party under the Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998.

In his letter to Kejriwal, Dhankhar denied the request. “This aspect is subject to ‘The Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognised Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998’, and the rules made thereunder. The request, not being in conformity to applicable legal regime, is not being acceded to,” wrote the Vice President.

What does the Act say?

The Act deals with facilities to be provided to leaders and chief whips of recognised parties and groups in Parliament. It defines a “recognised group” as every party that has a strength of not less than 15 members and not more than 24 members in the Rajya Sabha, and a strength of not less than 30 members and not more than 54 members in the Lok Sabha.

According to the Act, a “recognised party” must have a strength of not less than 25 members in Rajya Sabha and not less than 55 five members in Lok Sabha.

As for facilities to the leaders and chief whips of recognised groups and parties, it says, “Each leader, deputy leader and each chief whip of a recognised group and a recognised party shall be entitled to telephone and secretarial facilities.”

How has AAP responded?

While sources in the AAP claimed that the Upper House secretariat had asked for some clarifications, to which it will respond, sources in the secretariat said it had sought no clarifications.

AAP sources, however, maintain the request has not been denied but that “some corrections were sought, which will be addressed”. With Dhankhar turning down Kejriwal’s request citing rules, Sanjay Singh continues to remain the leader of the AAP in the Rajya Sabha.