Power Grab Without Accountability: Abhishek On Centre’s Amendment Bills

Trinamool Congress (TMC) general-secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee has sharply criticized the BJP-led Central government for introducing the Constitution Amendment Bill, describing it as a maneuver to retain power without accountability. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata on Wednesday, Banerjee asserted that the government is using this Bill to distract from its failures, particularly regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which he noted has encountered “roadblocks in the Supreme Court.”

Banerjee stated, “The intention behind moving the Bills was to enable the BJP to retain power, money, and control over the nation, but without shouldering accountability. It is a deadly combination.” He emphasized that the government would never include the accountability clause that the TMC demands in the Bills, adding, “The people of India have successfully stopped them from going through.”

On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three significant Bills in the Lok Sabha: the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Among these, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes the removal of any Central or state minister facing corruption or serious offence charges if they have been detained for at least 30 days or if the offence carries a minimum jail term of five years, even without a conviction.

Banerjee expressed a willingness to support the Bills, stating, “We will be the first to support the Bills. In fact, we urge the government to reduce the jail term of ministers from 30 days to 15 days, as proposed.” However, he insisted that the government must include a clause stipulating that if a minister is not proven guilty by the 16th day, then the investigating officers and their superiors should face imprisonment for double the time they held the minister in custody. “If they add this clause, then Trinamool will be the first party to support this bill,” he declared.

Despite his willingness to support certain aspects of the Bills, Banerjee expressed skepticism about their passage in Parliament, noting that they require a two-thirds majority in both Houses to amend the Constitution. Amid uproar from the Opposition, the draft laws were referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament, which includes 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee took to social media platform X to condemn the Centre’s decision to advance the Constitution Amendment Bill. He stated, “Such a bill is introduced to target opposition leaders by using central investigation agencies.” He further criticized the government’s approach, saying, “We strongly condemn this authoritarian attitude and oppose the introduction of this DRACONIAN CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL.”

Banerjee accused the government of failing to fulfill its responsibilities, asserting, “Instead of providing relief to the people and working for the genuine development of farmers, workers, and the poor, the government has completely failed to uphold its duty of safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation.” He also remarked on the government’s tactics, stating, “After failing to misuse the Election Commission to push SIR, the government has turned to another ‘E’ — the ED — to frame laws aimed at targeting opposition leaders, undermining democracy, and manipulating the people’s mandate by toppling state governments.”

In summary, Banerjee’s remarks reflect a deep concern over the implications of the proposed amendments, framing them as a threat to democratic principles and accountability in governance.