Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again taken a stand different from his party. Known for often praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and deviating from the official Congress line, Tharoor supported the controversial bill seeking to disqualify tainted leaders.

Speaking to NDTV, Tharoor said that the proposal made complete sense. He explained that if a Prime Minister, Chief Minister or Minister spends over 30 days in judicial custody, it is natural for them to step down. According to him, no minister should continue to hold office while facing such serious circumstances. He called it a matter of “common sense” and insisted that nothing was wrong with the bill’s intention.

Amit Shah Introduces the Constitutional Amendment

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 in Parliament. The bill proposes that if a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister is arrested and spends more than 30 consecutive days in jail, they must resign on the 31st day or face dismissal.

Amit Shah emphasized that the bill would be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further discussion. He clarified that the government intended to allow detailed debate before moving toward implementation.

Tharoor Welcomes Committee Discussion

Shashi Tharoor said sending the bill to a JPC was a welcome move. According to him, a committee debate would strengthen democratic principles. He argued that such crucial issues should be examined by experts and legislators in detail. Tharoor maintained that even if there were disagreements, a parliamentary discussion would ensure balance and accountability.

Opposition Raises Strong Objections

While Tharoor backed the bill, most Opposition parties strongly opposed it. Congress leaders, Samajwadi Party members, and other Opposition voices described the bill as unconstitutional. They warned that the new law could be misused by the government to target political opponents.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emerged as one of the strongest critics. She condemned the bill as draconian and unconstitutional. Priyanka argued that the government could file cases against any Chief Minister, keep them in custody for 30 days without conviction, and force them to resign. She said the move would destroy the democratic structure of India.

Priyanka Gandhi Calls It a ‘Black Law’

Priyanka Gandhi labeled the proposed legislation a “black law.” According to her, the bill gave excessive powers to executive agencies. She said that the law would allow the government to remove elected leaders without trial. She also highlighted that the principle of innocent until proven guilty was the foundation of the Indian Constitution. This bill, according to her, demolished that safeguard.

AAP Also Opposes the Legislation

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), although not part of the INDIA alliance, opposed the bill. AAP leaders claimed that the government had a history of misusing investigative agencies to weaken the Opposition. They argued that innocent leaders had already suffered long jail terms under politically motivated charges.

AAP leader Anurag Dhanda cited the example of former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain. He was kept in jail for over a year on charges that were later dismissed due to lack of evidence. Dhanda said that under this bill, Jain would have been removed from his ministerial post despite being innocent.

The Provisions of the Bill

The proposed amendment makes it mandatory for any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister to vacate office if they spend more than 30 days in judicial custody.

The legislation applies at both central and state levels. It sets a strict deadline of 31 days after arrest. On the 31st day, resignation becomes compulsory, failing which dismissal will follow.

The government argues that this measure will enhance accountability. According to Home Minister Amit Shah, leaders charged with serious crimes should not continue to govern.

Constitutional Debate

The bill has triggered a larger debate about constitutional principles. Legal experts point out that Indian law treats an accused as innocent until proven guilty. Forcing resignation without conviction challenges this principle.

Opposition parties argue that the government could use this provision to weaken elected state governments. They fear that false charges could be framed, followed by custody, which would automatically disqualify political opponents.

Shashi Tharoor’s Distancing from Congress

Shashi Tharoor’s support for the bill highlights his growing distance from Congress leadership. His ties with the party have been strained since 2021, when he joined the G-23 group of dissenters questioning the Gandhi family’s leadership.

In recent years, he has often taken positions different from the official party line. Recently, Tharoor even criticized Congress for skipping a special discussion in Parliament on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission.

Reports suggest that his relations with the high command worsened after the Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, where the government included him in an international delegation. Many in Congress saw this as a signal of Tharoor’s closeness to the ruling party.

Political Implications of Tharoor’s Stand

By supporting the bill, Tharoor has once again embarrassed Congress leadership. His remarks have been widely discussed across political circles. Many believe his statement weakens the Opposition’s united stance against the government.

Observers say Tharoor is positioning himself as a centrist voice. He continues to argue for reforms within the system while maintaining an independent image. His position on this bill reflects his long-standing reputation as a leader willing to break ranks.

Opposition Unity Under Question

The issue also raises questions about the unity of the INDIA alliance. While Congress, Samajwadi Party, AIMIM, and AAP strongly opposed the bill, Tharoor’s support shows divisions within Opposition ranks. Analysts believe the government could use such differences to push through the legislation.

The ruling party has already signaled its determination to move forward. With Tharoor’s comments, the narrative has shifted from a united Opposition to internal disagreements.

What Lies Ahead

The bill will now be examined by the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Lawmakers and experts will analyze its legal validity and potential consequences. While the government claims it will strengthen accountability, the Opposition sees it as a tool of authoritarian control.

The outcome will depend on how the committee shapes its recommendations. If passed, the amendment could fundamentally alter India’s democratic framework. It would create a precedent where judicial custody alone can end political careers.

Shashi Tharoor’s support for the controversial bill has reignited debates within Indian politics. His stance highlights the growing divide within Congress and exposes cracks in Opposition unity.

As the bill moves to the committee stage, the country awaits intense parliamentary debate. The proposal not only raises legal and constitutional questions but also touches the core of democratic governance.

Whether the legislation becomes law or not, it has already reshaped the political discourse. The coming months will decide if accountability or authoritarianism defines this chapter of Indian democracy.