Lalit Garg:
When the central government introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha requiring leaders facing serious criminal charges—including even prime ministers, chief ministers, and ministers—to step down if arrested or detained beyond a certain period, the uproar that followed was baffling. A law that seeks to ensure honesty in politics and integrity in the highest offices should have been welcomed as a milestone in strengthening democracy. Instead, the opposition created unnecessary noise. Home Minister Amit Shah prudently suggested referring the bill to a joint parliamentary committee, a proposal accepted by Speaker Om Birla. At this stage, instead of resisting, the opposition should reflect: why oppose a framework that ensures leaders charged with grave crimes cannot continue in power? Why should such individuals not automatically relinquish their posts until cleared? And does this bill not apply equally to ruling party leaders as well?
Since independence, Indian politics has often been distorted by the rise of criminal elements. Citizens expect their representatives to be honest and untainted, yet the reality is often the reverse. Too many leaders are entangled in serious cases and, instead of resigning, cling stubbornly to power. This erodes public trust and deepens the shadow of suspicion around politics. The question is stark: should individuals facing grave criminal charges enjoy the privilege of office? Can democracy survive on the foundation of crime and corruption? The answer is a firm no. Without cleansing politics of criminality, good governance will remain a distant dream and the vision of a “New India”—ethical, just, and developed—cannot be realized.
This is why the time has come for effective legislation. The moment a representative is charged with a serious crime and sent to jail, he or she should be automatically divested of office until proven innocent. There should be no waiting for resignations or reliance on political pressure. In the past, some leaders set noble examples by stepping aside voluntarily, but in recent years, the opposite trend has taken hold. We have seen leaders from parties like the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha run governments from jail or cling to ministerial posts despite imprisonment. Such conduct only deepens public cynicism and has made a law like this inevitable.
Clean politics is not just an ideal but a necessity. When individuals with criminal mindsets reach the helm of governance, they use state machinery to shield their misdeeds. This corrodes democratic institutions, breeds corruption, and puts citizens at risk. Nepotism, money power, violence, and immorality thrive when politics becomes a refuge for criminals. People now yearn for leaders whose personal conduct inspires trust. Politics must once again become a platform of service and sacrifice, not ambition and manipulation. Those even under suspicion should step aside voluntarily. Only such traditions can restore politics to dignity.
Crime-free politics is more than a moral expectation—it is a democratic compulsion. Without integrity in public life, neither good governance nor honest administration can take root. The need of the hour is to legislate clear frameworks that bar criminals from entering politics altogether. Such measures will reassure people that politics exists for public service, not as a sanctuary for tainted figures. This is the philosophy of clean politics: power should not be an asylum for the corrupt but a reservoir of moral energy for society. Only then can democracy regain its nobility and politics be seen as a symbol of honesty and service.
For decades, the nexus between politics and crime has been a deep public concern. The proposed 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill must therefore be viewed as historic. The government describes it as an anti-crime, anti-corruption initiative. Yet, the opposition resists, raising troubling questions. Why would any party appear to defend tainted leaders? Why tarnish one’s own image by blocking a law meant to strengthen integrity? The fear seems to be that such a law might destabilize governments in opposition-ruled states. But this exposes the real motive—protecting political convenience and power rather than upholding accountability.
The opposition argues that the law could be misused, with leaders forced out of office merely on the basis of accusations. But unless laws are firm and unambiguous, politics cannot be cleansed. If an individual is falsely implicated, there remain avenues to restore reputation. But letting those facing serious charges remain in power is a betrayal of democracy. The recent case of Arvind Kejriwal attempting to govern from jail illustrates this distortion.
As India moves toward its dream of becoming a developed nation, we must realize that economic growth alone is not enough. A transparent, honest political system is the true foundation of progress. Criminal infiltration weakens democracy at its core and destroys public trust. Crime-free politics is not a lofty aspiration—it is the bedrock of governance and development. That is why this bill should be embraced, for it heralds a new dawn in Indian politics, one anchored in morality and public service.
If the opposition continues to resist, one question remains unavoidable: does it truly not want crime-free politics? Or is it simply afraid of losing tainted leaders? To safeguard democracy and strengthen its roots, this legislation is essential. Only when politics is freed from criminality will “New India” become “Developed India.” From clean politics will emerge honest leadership, good governance, and renewed faith among the people. That will be democracy’s true victory.
(Note: Lalit Garg is a Delhi-based writer, journalist, and columnist, known for his insightful commentary on social, political, and cultural issues. He resides at E-253, Saraswati Kunj Apartments, 25 I.P. Extensions, Patparganj, Delhi – 92)
