Kolkata, June 15 -- Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy on Monday slammed the 20 rebel TMC MPs who have announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), alleging that the move has been undertaken to avoid the anti-defection law.

The Anti-Defection Law, introduced by the 52nd Amendment in 1985 under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution aims to stop political defections. It applies to both Parliament and State Assemblies.

Talking to ANI, Roy highlighted the obscurity of the NCPI, noting its lack of formal recognition and minimal electoral footprint.

"It is sad. TMC MPs have joined an unknown party. They have lost their honour; what can I say? NCPI is not even a recognised party. It is registered in Bengal...