Priyanka Gandhi Calls Bill on Removal of Leaders Facing Charges ‘Draconian’

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi: The proposed bill enabling the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers facing serious criminal charges has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress, with party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra describing it as “draconian” and “anti-constitutional.”

Speaking on the issue, Gandhi argued that the legislation, framed as an anti-corruption measure, could instead be misused to target political opponents. She warned that under such provisions, a Chief Minister could be arrested on the basis of a case filed, kept in custody for 30 days without conviction, and automatically lose office. Such a scenario, she said, would undermine democratic norms and erode constitutional safeguards.

The bill, introduced by the government earlier this year, seeks to bar individuals facing serious criminal charges from holding top political offices. Supporters of the proposal contend that it would strengthen accountability in governance and ensure that those in high positions are free from criminal taint.

However, critics, including several opposition leaders, have expressed concern that the measure could be weaponised for political gain, particularly in an environment of frequent electoral competition and legal disputes involving politicians.