The Lok Sabha descended into chaos on Wednesday after Opposition MPs tore up and threw copies of three contentious bills at Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The uproar began moments after Shah introduced bills to disqualify Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers jailed for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges. As he spoke, shredded bill copies were thrown at him, while Opposition MPs stormed the well of the House, shouting slogans and demanding the withdrawal of the proposed laws.
The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seek to automatically remove a PM or CM if they are in custody for a month on charges that carry a minimum five-year sentence. Dismissal would be triggered on the 31st day, regardless of conviction.
Amit Shah defended the bills, rejecting criticism of haste. “We cannot be so shameless that we continue to occupy constitutional positions while facing serious charges,” he said, assuring the House that the bills would be referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed scrutiny.
The Opposition, however, was united in opposition. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi called the proposal “unconstitutional” and said it would lead to the creation of a “police state.”“Who will arrest the Prime Minister? This is about eroding democracy under the guise of accountability,” he said.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra warned of the implications for elected leaders. “Tomorrow, you can jail a Chief Minister without a conviction and remove them from office in 30 days. This is draconian, anti-constitutional and undemocratic,” she said.
Rahul Gandhi likened the bill to feudal rule. “This is medieval governance. The ED files a case, the person is jailed, and 30 days later, a democratically elected leader is gone. It’s all about consolidating power,” said Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said the BJP was “interested only in amassing power and control without accountability.” He called the bill “authoritarian” and said it undermined India’s federal structure.
The House was adjourned twice, first till 3 PM and later till 5 PM, as protests continued.
BJP MPs, however, stood by the government’s position. Manan Kumar Mishra said, “This bill ensures that individuals in jail cannot hold public office. The Opposition is simply trying to distract from a serious and much-needed reform.”
