Home Minister Amit Shah, on Monday, lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of “shifting morality” while defending the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and Ministers jailed for more than 30 days.
During an interview with ANI released Monday morning, referring to the 2013 episode when Rahul Gandhi had publicly ripped apart an ordinance brought by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to shield RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, Shah asked, “Why did Rahul ji tear the ordinance that Manmohan Singh brought to protect Lalu ji?".
"If there was morality that day, then what happened now? Morality’s standards are not connected with victory or loss in elections. They should be steady like the Sun and Moon,” Shah questioned, slamming the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
When asked if Gandhi’s current position reflects a compromise with the RJD, Shah retorted, “Where do I need to say? How will he justify his two things? I have already asked. You can interview him and ask him.”
The Home Minister further clarified that the proposed amendment was not directed only at the Opposition.
“Today, more NDA CMs are in office, and the PM is also from the NDA. If a case is fake, bail can be granted within 30 days. But if bail is not given, can a PM, CM or minister run a government from jail? Is that appropriate for democracy?” he asked.
In addition, citing his own 2010 arrest in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh case, Shah said he had resigned immediately after receiving a CBI summons and did not accept any constitutional post until acquitted.
“What lessons on morality is the Opposition teaching me?” he questioned.
Shah also accused the INDIA bloc of opposing the Bill for political reasons.
“They want to create a system where governments can be run from jail. During Indira ji’s tenure, they tried to shield the PM. Even today, they want to keep that option open,” he said.
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced during the monsoon session last week, mandates that if a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister is jailed for 30 consecutive days on charges carrying at least five years’ punishment, their office will automatically fall vacant. They may be re-appointed after release.
The Home Minister Shah expressed confidence that the Bill will pass Parliament.
“There will be many people in Congress and in the Opposition who will support morality and maintain the moral ground,” he said.
The 2013 ordinance cited by Shah, which gave convicted lawmakers a three-month reprieve, was withdrawn after Rahul Gandhi called it “complete nonsense,” in what was seen as a public rebuke to the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.
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