The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party for its opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the removal of the prime minister, chief ministers, and other ministers if they remain in judicial custody for 30 consecutive days in cases involving serious criminal offenses. The BJP alleged that the Congress's resistance stems from a "sense of entitlement" and a desire to shield corrupt practices.
BJP Spokesperson Questions Double Standards
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, in a video statement, argued that the proposed legislation aims to establish uniform accountability standards for all holders of executive offices. He criticized what he described as a mindset among some politicians that corruption is their right, and that any attempt to hold them accountable is met with cries of persecution. "There are some people who have a huge sense of entitlement. They feel that corruption is their right. They will indulge in corruption, and if anyone catches them, they will cry persecution. This kind of sense of entitlement towards corruption and crimes is being struck down," Poonawalla said.
Congress Vows Strong Opposition
The BJP's remarks came a day after Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, declared that the party would strongly oppose the bill, claiming it is designed for the "political harassment" of political adversaries. The Congress has been vocal in its criticism, arguing that the bill could be misused to target opposition leaders.
Kejriwal Case Cited as Example
Poonawalla referenced the case of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, questioning whether an elected executive can legitimately govern from prison. "We have seen that even the Constitution's founding fathers had not imagined that if a chief minister or somebody (in government) went to jail, they would not resign. We saw this in the case of Arvind Kejriwal, who continued to run the government from jail. Can that be possible administratively? It is also a question of integrity," he said. Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the Delhi excise policy case and spent several months in judicial custody before being granted bail.
BJP Accuses Opposition of Hypocrisy
The BJP spokesperson also accused opposition parties of adopting double standards on the issue of resignation from public office. He alleged that while they have historically called for resignations at the slightest allegation against rivals, they now refuse to step down even after being sent to jail by courts in multiple cases. "They used to call for the resignation of people at the hint of an allegation. Now, when they are sent to jail by courts in case after case, they are not resigning," Poonawalla alleged.
Call for Equal Legal Standards
Poonawalla questioned why elected representatives should be treated differently from ordinary citizens, making a case for a common legal standard. "If a common man goes to jail, will he be allowed to continue in his job even for one day? He will be immediately suspended. Then why should there be a separate legal standard for those holding elected and executive posts?" he asked. He emphasized that the bill seeks to bring parity and ensure integrity in public life.
Bill Referred to Joint Parliamentary Committee
The bill has already been referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament for detailed examination. Poonawalla urged opposition parties to wait for the committee's recommendations instead of opposing the bill outright. "Let the committee come out with its report. Why are people opposing it? Do they not want integrity and propriety in public life? Do they have a sense of entitlement that they are allowed to indulge in crime and corruption?" he asked.
Modi's Fight Against Corrupt Political Culture
Alleging that the Congress is shielding those accused of corruption, Poonawalla claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to change the political culture. "It seems that, for them, it is not a government of the people, by the people and for the people. It is a government of criminals, by criminals and for criminals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fighting this mindset," Poonawalla alleged.
Parliamentary Panel Report Expected Soon
According to sources, the parliamentary panel examining the related bills is likely to adopt its report on July 17 and submit it to the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session. The bill has sparked a heated political debate, with the BJP pushing for greater accountability and the Congress warning against potential misuse.
