The proposed 130th Constitution Amendment Bill has sparked significant controversy, particularly among opposition parties like the Indian National Congress (INC), which have raised concerns about its potential implications for democratic principles and federalism. The bill seeks to mandate the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other ministers from office if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges.
Critics argue that the bill could be misused as a tool for political vendetta, allowing ruling parties to target and remove political opponents without due process. They contend that the provision undermines the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty, as it allows for the removal of elected officials based solely on detention, without a conviction.
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has criticized the proposed legislation, describing it as a "direct threat" to democracy and federalism. Gehlot emphasized that such a law reflects an undemocratic and authoritarian mindset, threatening the very foundation of Indian democracy and federalism. He called for all political parties, regardless of ideology, to unite in opposing the bill to safeguard democratic values and prevent the misuse of institutions for political vendetta.