111 sitting MPs, MLAs switched parties in 4 years, 26% of them joined BJP: ADR

At least 111 sitting MPs and MLAs changed political parties after being elected, according to a new analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch. The study covers elections and by-elections held between 2022 and 2026 and includes 26 Lok Sabha MPs, seven Rajya Sabha MPs and 78 MLAs. Of these 111 lawmakers, 29, (which is 26% of the 111), moved to the BJP, making it the second-largest recipient of lawmakers who changed parties.The Naga People's Front (NPF) received the most, with 32 lawmakers, which is 29% of the total turnout. However, that was the result of a merger in 2025, and not of individual MLAs switching sides.The report, released on September 24, shows that switching of parties occurred across 17 states and Union Territories.