Cong opposition to 3 bills testify their legacy to protect tainted leaders, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
| Photo Credit:
ANI
Launching a fierce attack on the Congress and the Opposition over their protest against three newly introduced Bills in the Lok Sabha, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that it’s a testimony to their legacy of shielding tainted leaders and placing Prime Minister “above accountability.”
The bills seek to disqualify Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and ministers at the Centre and in States who remain in jail for over 30 days on serious criminal charges.
Protecting leaders
In a strongly worded post on X, Shah accused the Congress of carrying forward a legacy of shielding its leaders from the rule of law and placing PM above accountability. He, as per a statement issued by Union Home Minister’s office, cited the example of former PM Indira Gandhi, alleging she protected herself from legal scrutiny, and drew a sharp contrast between the policies of the Congress and those of the ruling BJP.
“While Congress’s work culture and policy have been to place the Prime Minister above the law, BJP’s policy is to bring its Prime Minister, Ministers, and Chief Ministers within the ambit of law,” Shah said.
He also stated the purpose of bringing these legislations was to “elevate the declining moral standards and maintaining integrity in politics” —a commitment of the Modi government.
Shah’s remarks came hours after a stormy session in the Lok Sabha, where opposition MPs tore up copies of the Bills and staged vociferous protests as he introduced the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025. The House had to be adjourned amid uproar.
Shah outlined the intent and core clauses of the proposed legislation: Any prime minister, chief minister, or minister who is arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days for an offence punishable with five or more years in prison will be automatically disqualified on the 31st day.
Arrested leaders may be reinstated if they secure bail and are not found guilty.
Addressing moral vaccum
The legislation aims to address a moral vacuum, Shah said, citing instances where jailed politicians have continued to run governments from behind bars, hinting at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who continued to function despite being behind Tihar jail in liquor scam.
He emphasised that the Constitution’s framers could not have foreseen such a decline in moral standards where leaders, even from jail, would cling to power instead of stepping down voluntarily.
He accused the Congress of trying to shield tainted allies, invoking the example of RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, whose protection, Shah claimed, was once codified through an ordinance that Rahul Gandhi had theatrically opposed — only to now stand with him at political rallies.
Shah reiterated the BJP’s commitment to higher ethical standards in public life, referencing the precedent set by former Deputy PM and party stalwart LK Advani, who had resigned on mere allegations.
“Today, PM Narendra Modi Ji has brought forward a constitutional amendment to bring himself within the ambit of law. Can Congress claim the same moral courage?” Shah asked.
Published on August 20, 2025
