Tharoor Backs Bill to Remove Ministers, Goes Against Senior Congress Leaders

Shashi Tharoor Not in Line with Congress: Says Bill to Remove Ministers with Criminal Charges “Seems Reasonable”

Priyanka Gandhi and other members of the Congress party have boldly criticized the bill proposal to remove ministers with criminal charges, calling this move “draconian.” Shashi Tharoor was once again seen at the crossroads as his remarks did not align with the party’s views. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in support of his bill, which proposes the forceful removal of government ministers facing serious criminal charges.

Tharoor Bucks Congress Line Again on Bill Passed Against Ministers

Amit Shah, the Union Minister of India, introduced three bills on 20 August 2025 to remove prominent ministers who have been arrested for severe criminal charges and have been in jail for 30 days. 

This announcement stirred up the opposition and gathered protests. A similar proposal has been made for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Tharoor said in response to the bill, “If you spend 30 days in jail, can you continue to be a minister? This is a matter of common sense... I don't see anything wrong with this."

He added that he had not adequately studied the bills; however, “on the face of it, it seems reasonable that anyone who does anything wrong should not be holding a high constitutional or political office.”

Tharoor Backs Bill to CM and PM Despite Party’s Opposition 

Tharoor has made contrasting comments on the bill compared to the senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, who have called the bill “unconstitutional” and “draconian.” Priyanka said such a proposal might allow the ruling parties to misuse law enforcement.

She said, “It is a completely draconian thing. It goes against everything, and to couch it as a measure taken as anti-corruption is just to pull the wool over the eyes of the people. Because what it allows a government to do is, you don't even have to be convicted.”

Tharoor’s positive remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi were also not appreciated by the Congress. Congress's unease intensified when he was chosen to talk about “partner nations” Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam.

To sum up, Shashi Tharoor's remarks supporting the BJP have aroused curiosity among speculators about his switch to the BJP. However, Tharoor has very clearly stated in the past that he won’t be switching to the BJP. Congress, especially, seems concerned about Tharoor and his shocking remarks on the bill.