Amit Shah questions Rahul Gandhi’s political morality while defending the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill in Parliament (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a recent interview, questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's changing definition of political morality. Shah referred to the 2013 episode, when Rahul went against an ordinance introduced by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aimed at granting exemption to a convicted lawmaker like RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. Why should the same Gandhi oppose the bill to “criminal netas” now?
“Morality should remain constant, like the sun and the moon and not fluctuate according to the victories and defeats of elections,” Shah said, adding that Congress's three consecutive defeats became a turning point for Gandhi to take his present stance.
The matter arose from the introduction of the Constitution 130th Amendment Bill, 2025, which proposes the automatic removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister upon being in detention for 30 consecutive days. In questioning the democratic validity of allowing such leaders to rule from jail, Shah stated that constitutional offices should uphold some responsibilities not in favor of the said individual.
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"Can a country run from jail? The High Courts and the Supreme Court are not blind; bail exists as a safeguard. But if bail is denied, one should step down," he asserted. Shah further commented that whatever the bill is fixing is aimed not just at the Opposition but also at those on NDA's side.
Citing his own experience in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh case, Shah recalled resigning the day he was summoned by the CBI, only returning to public office after being acquitted. He argued this demonstrated respect for institutional integrity and set a precedent for how political leaders should behave when facing serious charges.
Shah leveled the accusation where the Opposition wanted to be in power from within a jail cell and noted how similar prospects were apparent during the tenure of Indira Gandhi. "Jail can't be made into CM House or PM House. No orders can be given by officials from behind the bars," he warned.
Shah has also introduced the Union Territories Amendment Bill and the amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act along with the Constitution amendment. These proposals are presently before a joint parliamentary committee; while the 130th Amendment Bill spurred acute debate, not only for its legal implications but also for the political symbolism it entails.
By calling up Rahul Gandhi's past and taking his present stance to question, Shah has rekindled the larger debate on morality in governance: whether it should remain steadfast in the face of political expediency, or bend with the election winds?
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