Chaos in Lok Sabha as Opposition protests Shah’s tabling of contentious Bills

New Delhi: High drama unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as Opposition MPs hurled torn papers at Union Home Minister Amit Shah while he introduced three contentious Bills, sparking a heated confrontation in Parliament.

Videos circulating on social media showed Shah reading from the proposed legislation as Opposition members shouted slogans and flung paper pieces at him.

The Centre introduced the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill. The most debated among them, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, seeks to remove a prime minister, Union minister, chief minister or state minister from office if they are arrested and detained on serious criminal charges for 30 consecutive days. If the charges carry a minimum punishment of five years, the post would be vacated on the 31st day of detention.

Opposition leaders condemned the move, calling the Bills unconstitutional and a direct threat to democracy. AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi accused the government of “amending the constitution to turn this country into a police state.” He said, “The Bill violates the right to choose a government and is a death knell for any elected representative.”

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also lashed out, describing the proposal as “completely draconian.” She argued, “It goes against everything and to couch it as a measure which is taken as anti-corruption is just to pull the wool over the eyes of the people. Because, what it basically allows a government to do is — You don’t even have to be convicted.”

The heated protests underscored the widening rift between the government and Opposition, with critics alleging that the Bills are designed to silence political leaders under the guise of reform.