Swapan Dasgupta resigns from Rajya Sabha amid candidature row

Swapan Dasgupta tendered his resignation letter to the chairman of Rajya Sabha, Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday.

A day after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) cited constitutional rules to disqualify Swapan Dasgupta from Rajya Sabha, Mr Dasgupta resigned from the Upper House. He tendered his resignation letter to the chairman of Rajya Sabha, Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday. Mr Dasgupta is Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate for the Tarakeshwar constituency in West Bengal.

Mr Dasgupta tweeted that he would soon file his nomination as BJP candidate for the Tarakeshwar Assembly seat. The TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Monday had pointed out that according to the Constitution, a nominated member of Rajya Sabha would be disqualified if he joins a political party after six-month period from their oath.

"Swapan Dasgupta is BJP candidate for WB polls. 10th Schedule of Constitution says nominated RS member to be disqualified if he joins any political party AFTER expiry of 6 months from oath. He was sworn in April 2016, remains unallied.  Must be disqualified NOW for joining BJP," Ms Moitra had tweeted on her Twitter account.

Ms Moitra further clarified that Mr Dasgupta can contest elections and his candidature will not be cancelled for being a nominated member of the Upper House. However, he will not be a Rajya Sabha member once he files his nomination for the Assembly seat. Mr Dasgupta's name was announced on Sunday as the BJP candidate.