Lok Sabha adjourned amid uproar over 'criminal MPs' Bill
What's the story
The Lok Sabha witnessed a ruckus on Wednesday as opposition members protested against three controversial bills introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The bills propose the removal of the Prime Minister, Union ministers, Chief Ministers, or state/UT ministers if they are arrested or detained on serious criminal charges for 30 consecutive days. The opposition, including leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi, Manish Tewari, and K C Venugopal, termed the proposed laws unconstitutional and against federalism.
Parliamentary process
Bills to be sent to joint committee for scrutiny
Despite the uproar, Shah defended the bills and assured that they would be sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament for scrutiny. He said, "We cannot be so shameless that we continue to occupy constitutional positions while facing serious charges." The House was adjourned multiple times amid protests, but will reconvene later to discuss these contentious proposals.
Accusations
Priyanka Gandhi calls bills 'anti-constitutional, undemocratic'
Opposition leaders slammed the bills as "draconian" and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to turn India into a "police state." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called it "anti-constitutional and undemocratic," saying it could allow arbitrary arrests of Chief Ministers. AIMIM chief Owaisi also slammed the bills as unconstitutional, asking who would arrest a Prime Minister under such provisions.
Defense
BJP MP Mishra defends bills, accuses opposition of distraction
BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra defended the bills, accusing the opposition of distracting from important legislation. "The government is bringing an important bill in which those who have been in jail for more than 30 days will not be allowed to hold ministerial positions," he said. The government hopes to pass these bills in the next Parliament session after scrutiny by the Joint Committee.