On 25th August, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a detailed interview with news agency ANI, strongly defended the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025. He asserted that the measure was essential to ensure governance is not conducted from jail. The Bill proposes the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers if they remain in jail for 30 consecutive days under charges carrying a punishment of five years or more.
#WATCH | Union HM Amit Shah says, "…If the Prime Minister of the country goes to jail, do you think it is right that the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister runs the government from jail? Is there such a belief in this country that the country will not run without the person… pic.twitter.com/Y4940fFv8O
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025
During the interview, HM Shah explained that the provision was fair and the judiciary would provide safeguards. He underlined that before any arrest, there are several stages which include enquiry, FIR, summons, and the scope of stays. He added, “Nothing happens overnight. If someone is neck-deep in corruption, then naturally arrest and resignation will follow. But once bail is granted, the individual can return, take oath again, and resume duties.”
. #WATCH | On the Opposition questioning his morality and his time in jail, Union HM Amit Shah says, "As I received the summons from CBI, I resigned the very next day. I was arrested later. The case went on, and the judgment stated that this was a case of political vendetta, and… pic.twitter.com/miccndVR15
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025
He also spoke about the controversy surrounding Justice Aftab Alam and clarified that when he was booked in a fake encounter case, the judge never came to his house. However, during the hearing of his bail application, which was scheduled on a Sunday at the judge’s residence in urgency, it was argued that as Home Minister of the state, he might influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. His advocate suggested that if the court had such concerns, he would remain out of the state, and HM Shah did so at that time, for two years.
#WATCH | On being asked about media reports of Justice Aftab Alam coming to his residence to get his signature, Union HM Amit Shah says, "…With the grace of Aftab Alam, my bail application lasted for 2 years. At the most, the bail application lasts for 11 days…"
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025
"No, this… pic.twitter.com/03uEYjReZT
HM Shah stressed that despite such hardships, he resigned immediately after being summoned by the CBI and did not return to office until acquitted.
In contrast, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and other ministers of the Aam Aadmi Party refused to resign while facing corruption charges and lodged in jail. He questioned whether India should ever accept a Prime Minister or Chief Minister governing from prison, insisting that morality in public life must stand firm beyond political convenience.
