New Bills represent deeper shift from democracy: Karra

Srinagar, Aug 20: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President and MLA Shalteng, Tariq Hameed Karra, responded sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s introduction of three Bills in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The Bills propose automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who remain under arrest on serious criminal charges for more than 30 days, as per KNS.

The legislation has been referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament, drawing strong opposition protests. Reacting to the development, Karra said that the Bills represent a deeper shift from democracy to autocracy. He said the move was emblematic of a hegemonic approach that sidelines democratic values and institutions. Referring to the arrest of a minister on the 31st day, he said the action was part of a broader trend that concentrates power and limits democratic space.

Karra said the government was operating out of fear and distrust, not only of the Opposition but also of its own public image.