Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticized the opposition for their perceived hypocrisy regarding the 130th Amendment Bill. He stated that the Congress party’s approach has historically been to shield Prime Ministers from legal accountability, a practice he directly contrasts with the BJP’s commitment to holding even its own leaders, including Prime Ministers, accountable under the law. Shah highlighted that Indira Gandhi had previously amended the constitution to protect herself from legal proceedings, suggesting the Congress continues this tradition.
Shah detailed that he had presented constitutional amendment bills in the Lok Sabha, aimed at preventing individuals from holding key constitutional positions such as Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or ministers in the central or state governments while incarcerated. The intention behind these bills is to enhance ethical standards and maintain integrity in politics. The proposed laws include:
1. Prohibiting individuals in jail from serving as Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or ministers at the central or state level.
2. Acknowledging that the constitution’s framers likely did not anticipate leaders continuing in office after arrest, and highlighting instances where CMs or ministers have governed from jail.
3. Mandating that arrested leaders secure bail within 30 days. If bail is not granted, the Prime Minister or Chief Minister must remove them from office on the 31st day; otherwise, they will be automatically disqualified. However, they can be reinstated if they later obtain bail through legal processes.
Shah argued that while Prime Minister Modi seeks to be held accountable under the law through the amendment, the Congress-led opposition is opposing it to avoid legal repercussions. He further reminded the House of Indira Gandhi’s 39th Constitutional Amendment, which granted special privileges to the Prime Minister, shielding them from legal action.
Shah also addressed personal comments made by a Congress leader, clarifying that he resigned before being arrested in a case that was later proven to be politically motivated. He emphasized that he did not hold any constitutional position until he was fully exonerated by the court.
He concluded by asserting that the BJP and the NDA have always championed ethical values, citing the example of LK Advani’s resignation upon mere allegations. He accused the Congress of continuing the unethical practices initiated by Indira Gandhi. He pointed out that despite the bill being sent to a joint parliamentary committee for detailed discussion, the opposition continues to resist, effectively exposing their double standards to the public.