NEW DELHI: BJP candidate from Tarakeshwar in Bengal, Swapan Dasgupta, has resigned as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.
His resignation has been sent to the chairman of the House, and is yet to be accepted.
Just a day back, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra had questioned Dasgupta’s candidature.
Drawing attention to the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, Moitra had argued that Dasgupta, as a nominated member of the upper House, stands to be disqualified as he has joined a political party after six months of taking oath.

Moitra further added that Dasgupta’s candidature will not be cancelled for being a nominated member of Rajya Sabha. However he will cease to be an MP once he files his nomination.
Seeking to clarify his position after tendering his resignation, Dasgupta said, “I have resigned from the Rajya Sabha today to commit myself totally to the fight for a better Bengal. I have always said whatever necessary steps will have to be taken will be done by me before I submit my nomination papers.”
Dasgupta was nominated to Rajya Sabha by the President in April 2016. As per the 10th Schedule that deals with disqualification of MPs, “A nominated member of a House shall be disqualified for being a member of the House if he joins any political party after the expiry of six months from the date on which he takes his seat after complying with the requirements of article 99 or, as the case may be, article 188.”
Dasgupta’s name was announced as the BJP candidate from Tarakeshwar assembly constituency in Hooghly district on Sunday.
(With agency inputs)