Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced that it will not participate in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) established to review the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025. Party MP Sanjay Raut made the announcement on social media, accusing the Centre of "pushing" the bill as a means to "bulldoze democracy and elected governments."
Taking to X, Raut said, "The JPC formed to review this bill is a mere stunt. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray clarifies that Shiv Sena will not participate in such a JPC. #DemocracyUnderThreat."
The bill, which was tabled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeks the automatic disqualification of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other ministers if they are arrested and held in detention for 30 continuous days on charges carrying a minimum punishment of five years of imprisonment. For a thorough examination, the bill has been sent to a 31-member JPC before it is put to a vote in Parliament.
In an interview, Shah exuded confidence that the bill would be passed despite strong criticism from the opposition parties. He defended the bill, saying its purpose is to uphold "constitutional morality" and public trust. Shah emphasised that the bill would apply equally to all leaders, including those from the ruling party. "I am sure it will be passed. There will be many people in the Congress party and in the opposition who will support morality and maintain the moral ground," he said.
Shah drew a contrast between the current bill and the 39th Amendment, which was introduced by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to protect the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Speaker from judicial review. "The Prime Minister himself has included the post of PM in this... Narendra Modi ji has brought a constitutional amendment against himself that if the Prime Minister goes to jail, he will have to resign," Shah said, highlighting the government’s commitment to a cleaner political landscape.
Also read: PM Modi slams TMC, defends Amendment Bill at Kolkata rally
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