26 April,2026 03:16 PM IST | Ahilyanagar | mid-day online correspondent
Anna Hazare said society and the people should reflect on the recent switch by AAP leaders to the BJP. PIC/PTI
Veteran social activist Anna Hazare on Sunday demanded the introduction of a strict law that would bar elected representatives from switching political parties after winning elections under a particular party's banner, news agency IANS reported.
Hazare also urged voters to think carefully before casting their votes for any leader.
His remarks come in the wake of a major political development where seven Rajya Sabha members from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including the recently removed Deputy Leader of the Upper House Raghav Chadha, defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking to IANS, Hazare said the Constitution does not mention political parties anywhere.
"The Constitution always focuses on the welfare of society and the nation. It does not mention any political party. Today, disputes and conflicts in society are increasing because of such factions and political parties," he said.
He alleged that leaders switch parties purely out of selfishness.
"People switch from one party to another, thinking about their own interests, moving to wherever they find benefits for themselves," Hazare said.
Calling for strong legislation, he added: "A strict law should be enacted that would prevent elected leaders from switching into other parties. The country functions on the basis of laws. If such a law is implemented, mistakes like these will not occur."
"With such a law in place, people will not be able to switch parties," he reiterated.
Hazare said society and the people should reflect on the recent switch by AAP leaders to the BJP. He appealed to voters to be cautious while choosing their representatives.
"That is why voters are supreme, and it is up to them to decide whom to vote for, the right person or the wrong one. If voters make a thoughtful decision, the irregularities plaguing all parties and factions can be rectified," Hazare asserted.
He further alleged that some politicians are more interested in money and power than the welfare of the country and society.
"A vicious cycle of power leading to money, and money leading back to power, continues, and this is the root cause of these transgressions," he stressed.
(With IANS inputs)
