‘He should have resigned when he was jailed’: Amit Shah on Arvind Kejriwal

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File photo Union Home Minister Amit Shah during an event in New Delhi.

File photo Union Home Minister Amit Shah during an event in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

Union Minister Amit Shah asked why a government should run from jail, and whether it suits the dignity of the nation’s democracy, while supporting the recently introduced 130th Constitution Amendment Bill.

The Bill, introduced in the recently introduced monsoon session of Parliament, states that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers, if jailed for more than 30 days for offences that attract a jail term of over five years, can be removed from office. It has now been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for scrutiny.

In an interview with ANI, Mr. Shah lashed out at the Opposition for calling the Bill “unconstitutional” or referring to it as “Black Bill.”

Recalling former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in the alleged excise policy scam and a money laundering case linked to the scam, Mr. Shah pointed out that he had received bail within 30 days. “He got the bail (within 30 days), and I believe he should have given his resignation at that time. He even handed in his resignation when people opposed him. Now, he will have to give his resignation lawfully,” he said.

“When the case went to the High Court, it was argued that Arvind Kejriwal should resign because he is in jail. The High Court said that we believe that he should resign on moral grounds, but there is no provision in the current law.” Mr. Shah said.

Mr. Shah said the BJP “completely rejects” the idea that the country “cannot be governed without the person” who has been jailed.

“I want to ask the entire nation and the Opposition... Can a Chief Minister, Prime Minister, or any leader run the country from jail? Does that suit the dignity of our democracy?” he asked, claiming that some people were trying to “form the government from jail.”

“The jail will be made CM House, PM House, and the DGP, Chief Secretary, Cabinet Secretary, or Home Secretary will take orders from the jail. My party and I completely reject the idea that this country cannot be governed without the person who is sitting there. This will not affect anyone’s majority in the Parliament or the Assembly. One member will go, other members of the party will run the government, and when they get bail, they can come and take the oath again. What is the objection in this?” he wondered.

Expressing confidence that the Bill will get two-thirds majority and many legislators, including from Congress, would support the Bill.

Published - August 25, 2025 12:18 pm IST

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