Priyanka Gandhi, Owaisi Slam 130th Amendment Bill: “BJP Turning India Into a Police State”

New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday fiercely criticised the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, calling it “draconian” and “undemocratic.” The bill, which aims to provide a legal framework for removing the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Union or State Ministers if arrested on serious criminal charges, has sparked outrage across opposition ranks.

Describing the bill as a mere “veil over the eyes of people,” Gandhi warned that it could be misused to target political leaders. “Tomorrow, any Chief Minister could be arrested on fabricated charges, held for 30 days, and be removed from office without a conviction. It is absolutely anti-constitutional and very unfortunate,” she said.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi echoed the criticism, alleging that the BJP is attempting to transform the country into a “police state.” “This bill is unconstitutional. Who will arrest the Prime Minister? The government is forgetting that power is not eternal,” Owaisi said outside Parliament.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Amra Ram warned that the bill could be weaponised against opposition leaders in different states. “If the 30-day rule is applied, everyone could be removed. Thirty days is not a major crime,” he said.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh also slammed the amendment, saying the government has no right to punish the Prime Minister or other ministers. “The nation is moving towards dictatorship with this bill. Filing an FIR should not automatically dismiss leaders,” he added.

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, which will be tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeks to remove any Central or State Minister facing serious allegations of corruption or criminal offences if detained for at least 30 days. Opposition leaders have vowed to challenge the bill and mobilise public opinion against what they see as an authoritarian move.