Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla vowed to ensure broad representation from all political parties in the yet-to-be-formed Joint Committee of Parliament tasked with scrutinizing three controversial Home Ministry Bills introduced on August 20, 2025. Speaking to reporters after a national conference on Scheduled Castes and Tribes welfare in Bhubaneswar, Birla emphasized maintaining the “best traditions” of parliamentary panels, which he said operate above political divides, allowing members to express views freely.

The bills—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—propose removing the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or ministers detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges (punishable by five years or more imprisonment) without bail. Introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the bills sparked fierce protests, with opposition MPs, including AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress’ Manish Tewari, labeling them “unconstitutional” and a threat to federalism. Opposition members tore copies of the bills in Lok Sabha, prompting adjournments.

The Joint Committee, comprising 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members, is mandated to report by the Winter Session (third week of November 2025). However, Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Aam Aadmi Party have refused to participate, alleging the bills enable agencies like the CBI and ED to destabilize non-BJP state governments. The Samajwadi Party leans toward a unified opposition boycott, while Congress is undecided.

Also Read: National SC/ST Welfare Conference Begins

Birla has urged parties to submit representative names, promising discussions to ensure inclusivity. “I will talk with all political parties to form the committee soon,” he said. Critics, including TMC’s Saket Gokhale, argue the bills undermine due process, as they allow removals based on accusations, not convictions. Shah defended the bills, citing a 1975 precedent under Indira Gandhi, and emphasized their aim to restore political integrity.

The uproar reflects broader tensions, with the monsoon session (July 21–August 21, 2025) losing 84 hours to disruptions, achieving only 31% productivity in Lok Sabha. Birla’s challenge is to bridge divides amid accusations of authoritarianism, as the bills’ fate hinges on the committee’s deliberations.

Also Read: Stalin Advocates Legal Action to Restore States’ Powers