N Ramchander Rao Slams Congress Over Opposition to Minister Disqualification Bill

On Monday, Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao criticized the Congress party in Hyderabad for its opposition to the proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill. Speaking ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, Rao accused the opposition party of reflexive obstructionism regarding the central government's legislative agenda.

The proposed 130th Amendment Bill seeks to mandate the removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and other Ministers from office if they are detained in custody for more than 30 consecutive days in serious criminal cases. Under the proposed law, this disqualification would apply to cases involving offences punishable by five years or more in prison.

Speaking to media agency ANI, Rao defended the necessity of the legislative reform. He explained that any high-ranking public official who is arrested and remains in custody for 30 consecutive days under such serious charges must cease to hold office to ensure the integrity of the system.

Rao accused the Congress of opposing the bill simply because it was introduced by the BJP government. He argued that the opposition party wants to resist whatever the current government brings forward, regardless of whether the proposed laws are beneficial for the public.

To highlight what he termed as inconsistency, the BJP leader recalled a past incident from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era. Rao stated that during Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister, the Congress had proposed that individuals involved in criminal cases should not be allowed to file nominations. He pointed out that Rahul Gandhi had torn the paper containing that proposal.

Rao questioned why the Congress is now opposing the 130th Amendment Bill, which aims to clear the political system and promote decriminalization.

During his address, Rao also reacted to comments made by Congress MP Mallu Ravi regarding the Congress Swayamsevak Sangh (CSS) and the influence of the RSS on the BJP's electoral victories. Rao dismissed these remarks, maintaining that the BJP's electoral success is rooted in direct public support rather than any single organization.