'Threat to non-BJP state governments': Opposition slams proposed bill

August 20, 2025 by News Desk

The opposition parties have strongly criticized the government’s proposed legislation that mandates the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Union or State Ministers upon arrest or detention for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges. They argue that this move is a strategic attempt to undermine opposition-led governments and centralize power.

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi expressed deep apprehension, labeling the proposed law as the “best way to destabilize opposition.” He highlighted the lack of arrest guidelines and the disproportionate targeting of opposition leaders. Singhvi emphasized that the law could facilitate arbitrary arrests by central agencies, allowing for the removal of opposition Chief Ministers without electoral defeat.

Similarly, a senior CPI(M) leader criticized the inclusion of provisions for the removal of a Prime Minister or Union Minister, describing it as a “smokescreen” to legitimize laws aimed at harassing opposition leaders and destabilizing opposition-led governments.

The INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties, convened a meeting to strategize their response to the government’s legislative agenda. They are expected to intensify protests and demand a debate on the proposed bills.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three bills in Parliament: the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025. These bills propose the removal of any Prime Minister, Union Minister, Chief Minister, or State/Union Territory Minister arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with imprisonment of five years or more. The opposition views these bills as a mechanism to bypass the judiciary and the federal structure, potentially leading to the destabilization of opposition governments.

The opposition perceives the proposed legislation as a calculated move to weaken their political influence and control over state governments. They are mobilizing to challenge the bills both inside and outside Parliament, aiming to safeguard democratic principles and the autonomy of state governments.