Disqualification Row: TMC Rebel MPs seek fourth extension

New Delhi: The 20 rebel TMC MPs have once again sought additional time till November 3 to respond to the disqualification petition filed by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee before the Lok Sabha Speaker. The Speaker's office had earlier granted them time till October 20. This is the fourth time the MPs have sought an extension. The Speaker's office is yet to take a decision on the letter, written on October 20.

"On account of the ensuing Durga Puja holidays in the state of West Bengal, the response to the said petition could not be finalised. In view thereof, it is humbly requested that an additional two weeks' time, till November 3, may kindly be granted to the undersigned," the rebel MPs wrote in separate letters to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Abhishek's petition has sought the disqualification of the 20 MPs under Rule 6 of the Members of Lok Sabha (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1985.