Suvendu Adhikari Slams 'Corrupt Dynasts' Dodging JPC on Constitutional Amendment Bill;

West Bengal Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has alleged that several "corrupt dynasts" are trying to avoid scrutiny by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) set up to examine the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill. The proposed bill seeks the removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, or any other ministers if they are jailed for serious criminal offenses for over 30 consecutive days. Speaking to news agency ANI, Adhikari said, "All the corrupt dynasts have started running away. They know this bill will significantly impact the INDI Alliance parties." The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill aims to ensure that any leader holding a key position in the central or state government cannot continue in office while being held in custody for serious charges. Alongside this, two similar bills — specific to Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir — were also introduced in the Lok Sabha. All three bills will be reviewed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticized the opposition’s protests against the bill, which some have dubbed the "Black Bill." In an interview with ANI, Shah firmly stated that both he and the BJP "completely reject" the idea that the nation cannot function without a jailed leader. He posed a question to the country and the opposition: "Can a Chief Minister or Prime Minister really govern from jail? Does that uphold the dignity of our democracy?" Shah further added, "Some leaders are hoping that even if they go to jail, they’ll still be able to run the government from there — turning jail cells into CM or PM offices. Should top officials like the DGP, Chief Secretary, or Cabinet Secretary really be taking orders from someone behind bars?" Reinforcing the party’s stand, he said that if any elected leader is jailed, others from the party can continue running the government. "Once that person gets bail, they can return and take oath again. What's the objection to that?" he asked.

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