Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again broken ranks with his party, this time over the proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025. The bill, tabled by Home Minister Amit Shah, seeks to remove ministers — including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers — who remain in jail for more than 30 consecutive days. While most of the opposition, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, slammed the bill as “draconian,” Tharoor described it as “common sense.”
Congress Calls Bill Unconstitutional
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strongly opposed the legislation, arguing that it undermines democratic principles. She warned that false cases could be filed against Chief Ministers, leading to their removal without conviction. “This is absolutely anti-constitutional,” she said, calling it an attack on federalism and democratic safeguards.
Tharoor’s Dissenting Stand
In contrast, Shashi Tharoor publicly supported the core idea of the bill, stating, “If you spend 30 days in jail, can you continue to be a minister? This is a matter of common sense… I don’t see anything wrong in this.” He suggested that the matter be examined in a parliamentary select committee, adding that it would be healthy for democracy to deliberate on such issues.
Strained Ties With Congress
Tharoor’s position deepens his uneasy relationship with the Congress. Once part of the G-23 dissenting group, he has increasingly clashed with party leadership. Recently, he drew criticism for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and for criticising Congress decisions, including skipping a discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. While he has denied rumours of joining the BJP, his repeated departures from the party line have sparked speculation about his future.
Political Impact
If passed, the bill could drastically alter accountability in Indian politics by ensuring ministers with prolonged incarceration cannot remain in office. However, critics argue it opens the door to misuse through politically motivated arrests. For now, the bill is expected to be sent to a select committee for further scrutiny.
