"New way to blackmail people": Tejashwi Yadav on bill for removal of PM, CMs held on serious criminal charges

Patna (Bihar) [India], August 21 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday slammed the government's move to table a bill for the removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and ministers held on serious criminal charges.
According to Tejashwi Yadav, this bill is a ploy to "blackmail and intimidate" certain leaders, specifically naming Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu.
He cited examples of Jharkhand CM like Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who were jailed but later acquitted, suggesting a similar fate for others targeted under this law.
Speaking to ANI, the RJD leader said, "This is a new way to blackmail people... This law is being brought only to blackmail and intimidate Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu... This is what these people do... Earlier too, many Chief Ministers were kept in jail, but all were acquitted, like Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal."
He alleged that the bill is being brought to weaken democracy and target specific leaders.
"This bill has been brought because it is part of a larger conspiracy to pressurise Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and ask him to stay within limits and accommodate BJP leaders in the tickets given to JDU leaders... This bill has been brought to keep Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in check... They can also file a new case (on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar).... This law is being brought to weaken democracy," RJD leader added.
The proposed bill mandates the removal of any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with at least five years of imprisonment. If the arrested leader doesn't resign, their office will automatically fall vacant after 31 days. Interestingly, the bill allows for re-appointment post-release, providing a degree of flexibility.
When asked about the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', Yadav remarked that there's a lot of anger among the people. "The public is saying 'Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodd'...," he added.
On PM Modi's visit to Bihar, the RJD leader said, "There will be no impact of PM Modi's visit to Bihar..."
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to remove a Central or State Minister who is facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and has been detained for at least 30 days. Union Minister Amit Shah tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' began on Sunday from Sasaram. The 16-day yatra has been organised to protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged 'vote chori'. It will cover more than 1,300 km across over 20 districts and conclude in Patna on September 1. (ANI)