NEW DELHI (Aug 20): India’s opposition parties accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of attempting to turn the country into a “dictatorship” after the introduction of three controversial Bills in Parliament.
The legislation, introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah, seeks to provide for the removal of the prime minister, chief ministers, and other ministers if they are arrested on serious criminal charges for more than 30 days.
Shah defended the move, saying the Bills were aimed at “elevating declining moral standards” in politics and ensuring integrity in public life. He accused opposition parties of resisting the reforms because they wanted to continue “running governments from jail” and clinging to power.
Opposition lawmakers vowed to oppose the Bills “tooth and nail,” calling them an attack on India’s democratic framework. Heated protests broke out in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) when Shah tabled the proposals, which have now been referred to a joint parliamentary committee for review.