'Resigned very next day...': Amit Shah counters oppn's 'morality' question over bill to oust PM, CMs

Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah countered the Opposition's 'morality'question to defend the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill, claiming that he resigned the very next day when he was summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Referring to his arrest in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, Shah said he resigned the very next day the CBI summoned him. He added that he did not hold any constitutional post until the case was fully quashed.

"As I received the summons from CBI, I resigned the very next day. I was arrested later. The case went on, and the judgment also came that this was a case of political vendetta, and I am completely innocent. That judgment came later, I was granted bail earlier... Even then, I did not take oath and become the Home Minister again. Not only this, I did not take oath for any constitutional post until all the charges against me were completely quashed. What lessons on morality is the opposition teaching me?" Amit Shah told ANI in an interview.

Shah expressed confidence that the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be passed, despite the opposition's fierce criticism.

The bill proposes the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable by five years or more imprisonment.

The bill has been referred to a JPC for detailed scrutiny, comprising 31 members from both houses of Parliament. The committee will examine the bill and provide recommendations before it is put to vote.

Speaking to ANI, Amit Shah defended the bill, stating it's aimed at upholding "constitutional morality" and public trust, emphasising 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.

"The Prime Minister himself has included the post of PM in this... Earlier, Indira Gandhi had brought the 39th amendment (of protecting the President, VP, PM, and Speaker from judicial review by Indian courts)... Narendra Modi ji has brought a constitutional amendment against himself that if the Prime Minister goes to jail, he will have to resign...," said Union HM Amit Shah on the 130th Amendment Bill.

Shah introduced the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to remove the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers from office if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with imprisonment of five years or more.

The bill has sparked intense debate, with the opposition alleging political motives to destabilise non-BJP governments.

With inputs from ANI