New Delhi, August 20(HS): The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed significant political turbulence today as the Union Government announced the introduction of a sweeping bill aimed at the removal of elected representatives—including the Prime Minister, Union ministers, Chief Ministers, and Union Territory ministers—who are arrested or detained on serious criminal charges.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah prepared to move the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, alongside the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025, the latter signaling possible administrative reorganizations in Jammu & Kashmir following the revocation of its statehood in August 2019.

The proposed legislation, which aims to ensure swift disqualification of legislators facing serious allegations, ignited a fierce backlash from opposition parties. Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee condemned the Constitution Amendment Bill as draconian and an embodiment of the ruling government's authoritarian attitude. He accused the government of prioritizing power accumulation over development and constitutional responsibilities.

Simultaneously, TMC's Derek O'Brien vehemently criticized the Centre, while CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar vowed to oppose the amendment bill, arguing that it imperils the sanctity of elected governments. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also lodged formal opposition to the bill, claiming it undermines fundamental principles of federalism, due process, and the people's right to elect their governments.

Opponents assert the bill’s potential misuse, pointing to fears that agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate could be weaponized to destabilize political rivals without judicial conviction. Trinamool MP Saket Gokhale emphasized that a person is criminal only after court conviction, condemning the preemptive removal of representatives based on mere accusations.

In a separate move, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, designed to promote and regulate the burgeoning online gaming and e-sports sectors.

As both Houses adjourned briefly till noon, the parliamentary debate continues intensely with opposition leaders warning the bills threaten India’s federal structure, separation of powers, and democratic ethos. The parliamentary committee will review the proposed bills, including potential amendments on Jammu and Kashmir's administrative matters, adding further complexity to the session’s unfolding political drama.

The Monsoon Session today underscored the high stakes and deep divides ahead as the government pushes for controversial reforms amid strong dissent from opposition ranks, setting the stage for prolonged and heated parliamentary confrontations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar