New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Congress on Monday reacted to the ongoing political developments under the banner of ‘Operation Tiger’, alleging that attempts to pressure elected representatives into switching parties through intimidation, coercion, or investigative agencies are unconstitutional.

Speaking to IANS, Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap said, “Our constitutional and democratic system is founded on elections, which are a crucial pillar of democracy. If elected representatives are being pressured through intimidation, coercion, muscle power, or through agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to change sides, then such actions are unconstitutional.”

Congress leader Pawan Khera also took a swipe at the operation, saying, “The number of tigers is already decreasing. Give it some time and see how their numbers fall further. Those who consider themselves ‘tigers’ should wait and watch what happens next.”

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi echoed similar concerns, stating that elected representatives are chosen by the people through the democratic process and should not be allowed to switch parties at will after winning elections.

“The public elects representatives through voting. Changing parties after being elected is a great injustice to voters. A new law should be enacted to address this issue,” Azmi said.

Responding to the criticism, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Ali Khatana defended the developments, saying, “There is democracy in the country. People take decisions in the interest of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP work for national interest. Representatives make their own decisions based on what they believe will contribute to development.”

The remarks came after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared on Sunday that ‘Operation Tiger’ had been successful, adding that he had never left any operation incomplete.

Meanwhile, six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are set to officially join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday afternoon, marking another major setback for Uddhav Thackeray’s party. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik confirmed the development, stating that the MPs would join the ruling camp at 3 p.m., increasing the party’s strength in the Lok Sabha from seven to 13 members.

–IANS

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