The political climate in India witnessed fresh turbulence after the Trinamool Congress (TMC), under the leadership of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, firmly announced its refusal to participate in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) formed to scrutinise the controversial bills that allow the removal of a prime minister, chief ministers, and ministers if they are detained or arrested for 30 consecutive days.

In a strongly worded statement, the party said: “We oppose the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill at the stage of introduction, and in our view, the JPC is a farce. Therefore, we are not nominating anyone from AITC.”

This development comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah tabled three contentious bills in the Lok Sabha — the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Uproar in Parliament

The introduction of these bills caused a stormy uproar in Parliament, with opposition MPs alleging that the central government’s hidden agenda was to destabilise non-BJP-ruled states and weaken democratic institutions. Several opposition leaders accused the government of attempting to undermine the federal structure guaranteed under the Constitution.

In a dramatic moment inside the House, some opposition members went as far as tearing copies of the bills and throwing them towards Home Minister Amit Shah. Despite protests, Shah stood his ground, announcing that the bills would be referred to a JPC for further examination.

Mamata Banerjee’s Strong Words

Reacting to these developments, Mamata Banerjee did not mince her words. Taking to social media, she posted: “I condemn the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, proposed to be tabled by the Government of India today. I condemn it as a step towards something that is more than a super-Emergency, a step to end the democratic era of India forever. This draconian step comes as a death knell for democracy and federalism in India.”

Banerjee further stated that the bills were designed to empower the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, giving them excessive control and undermining the independence of the judiciary. According to her, this move could permanently alter the democratic fabric of the country, leading to authoritarian governance.

Opposition Concerns

The opposition has united in its criticism, with leaders across parties echoing fears that these bills could serve as a political weapon to target elected leaders of opposition-ruled states. By introducing provisions to sack leaders under detention, the government is being accused of creating a tool to oust political opponents under the guise of legality.

Furthermore, constitutional experts have raised alarms that the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill may set a dangerous precedent by blurring the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Critics argue that such provisions could be misused to weaken dissent and opposition voices in a parliamentary democracy.

Federalism at Risk

Mamata Banerjee has consistently championed federal principles, warning against central overreach into states’ affairs. Her rejection of the JPC underscores her party’s stance that these bills are not meant for debate but rather to legitimise an already pre-decided move by the government.

By refusing to nominate a member to the JPC, the TMC has drawn a clear line, signalling that it views participation as a means of endorsing a flawed process. The party’s boycott is also expected to embolden other opposition parties that share similar reservations about the erosion of state autonomy.

Wider Political Implications

The controversy around these bills is expected to intensify political battles in the run-up to future elections. Opposition parties are likely to use this as a rallying point to project the BJP-led central government as authoritarian, while the government may argue that such steps are necessary to strengthen governance and accountability.

Political analysts suggest that this confrontation could evolve into one of the biggest constitutional debates in recent Indian history, testing the resilience of democratic institutions, judicial independence, and the spirit of federalism.

Conclusion

The refusal of the TMC to nominate a member to the JPC is not just a procedural matter but a political statement against what it perceives as an attack on democracy. Mamata Banerjee’s sharp rhetoric, opposition unity, and the uproar in Parliament highlight the gravity of the issue.

Whether these bills proceed to become law or face rejection, their very introduction has already sparked a nationwide debate on the future of India’s democratic ethos. The coming months will determine whether this becomes a flashpoint that reshapes the balance of power between the Centre and the states, or whether it is resolved through parliamentary consensus and public pressure.

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