New Delhi: The introduction of three new bills in the Lok Sabha by the central government has stirred intense political debate across the country. Among these bills, presented on Wednesday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is a constitutional amendment bill that legally mandates the removal of top executive officials such as the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers if they are imprisoned for more than 30 days on charges of corruption or serious crimes.
This move has faced sharp criticism from leaders of the INDIA alliance. Opposition parties allege that these bills constitute a direct attack on the country’s federal structure, judicial system, and democratic values. They claim the central government is using these laws to weaken opposition-ruled states and to topple elected governments through investigative agencies.
“Democracy Is Under Threat”: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee called it a step toward a “super emergency,” accusing the bill of undermining the independence of the judiciary and stripping courts of their powers. She said, “This is a conspiracy to permanently dismantle India’s democratic framework.”
“Central Government Leading the Country Toward Dictatorship”: M. K. Stalin
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M. K. Stalin described the bills as an “attack on the roots of democracy,” claiming that the BJP government aims to transform India into a Prime Minister-centric dictatorship.
“Misuse of Law Will Increase”: Priyanka Gandhi
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed the bills “dictatorial” and said that now any Chief Minister or minister could be removed from office solely based on arrest, without conviction. “This is like throwing dust in the eyes of the public. This is not an anti-corruption measure but an abuse of power,” she added.
Reactions from Other Opposition Leaders
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi called the bills against the constitutional principle of “separation of powers” and accused the central government of wanting to turn India into a “police state.” He questioned, “If a Chief Minister can be arrested by investigative agencies, then who will arrest the Prime Minister?”
RJD MP Sudhakar Singh alleged that these bills will take India down the path of Pakistan and Bangladesh, where opposition leaders are either in jail or in exile.
CPI(M)’s Politburo stated that the government is bypassing democratic processes by bringing broad laws to avoid judicial scrutiny. CPI(M) MP John Brittas said these moves will become a weapon to topple opposition governments.
CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya called the bills a final blow to the federal structure and parliamentary democracy. He said the bills attempt to legalize the misuse of central agencies like ED, CBI, and IT.
CPI condemned the provision of removal from office based solely on arrest without court conviction, calling it a violation of the constitutional principle of “presumption of innocence.”
Opposition’s Stance vs. Government’s Defense
The opposition believes that through these bills, the central government aims to weaken democratic institutions, curb the autonomy of state governments, and obstruct the judicial process. Meanwhile, the government argues that these bills are necessary to ensure accountability of public office holders.
