Congress Joins Opposition Boycott of JPC on Dismissal Bills

NEW DELHI: In a significant move toward opposition unity, the Congress party has decided to boycott the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining three bills that mandate automatic dismissal of Chief Ministers and ministers imprisoned for 30 days or more.

The decision aligns Congress with key opposition parties including Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Shiv Sena (UBT), who had already announced their boycott. As the leading opposition force, Congress’s withdrawal raises serious questions about the participation of other INDIA bloc members such as DMK, NCP, and Left parties, potentially leading to a complete opposition absence from the crucial committee.

Opposition Unity Takes Precedence

Congress sources confirmed the decision has been finalized, with official communication to be sent to the government and Speaker shortly. The party initially favored joining the panel to prevent the ruling government from having unchecked control over the committee proceedings. However, concerns about maintaining opposition solidarity ultimately prevailed, especially after four major allies had already committed to the boycott.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal had earlier indicated this direction, telling media outlets that the party would seek consensus within the INDIA bloc before making a collective decision.

Parliamentary Deadlock Continues

The three bills, including the 130th Constitutional Amendment introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the monsoon session, were tabled in Lok Sabha on August 30. The legislation sparked intense controversy and chaos in Parliament. Nearly a month after the decision to refer these bills to the JPC, the committee composition remains unannounced, highlighting the political impasse surrounding this contentious legislation.