Guwahati, July 13 (IANS) AIUDF chief and Binnakandi MLA Badruddin Ajmal on Monday criticised a parliamentary panel’s reported recommendation to suspend, instead of remove, a Prime Minister or Chief Minister who remains in judicial custody for 30 days, alleging that political leaders would never introduce laws that could be used against themselves.

Reacting to the proposal, Ajmal questioned its intent and said the political class lacks the will to ensure accountability among elected representatives. He questioned who would punish whom, adding that tomorrow the punishment would fall on the same people who imposed it.

Speaking to reporters here on the sidelines of the assembly session, he alleged that lawmakers across party lines protect each other and are unwilling to enact stringent measures against themselves, claiming that no one would punish anyone or frame laws against themselves, and that this was merely an exercise to fool the people.

Ajmal further alleged that a large number of legislators in Parliament are facing criminal cases and said such a system cannot be expected to introduce tougher legal provisions against elected representatives. He claimed, without furnishing any evidence, that more than 65 per cent of MPs are facing criminal cases.

The AIUDF leader also targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), accusing the ruling party of raising the issue to secure electoral advantage ahead of key Assembly elections.

He said the BJP government would implement the UCC wherever it held power, but nothing substantial would happen.

He alleged that the issue was being revived primarily with an eye on upcoming elections, particularly the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, and claimed they were bringing up this issue because they want Hindu votes.

Ajmal’s remarks come amid political discussions over the recommendations of a parliamentary panel examining reforms related to constitutional functionaries facing prolonged judicial custody.

The panel has reportedly suggested that the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers should be suspended from office if they remain in judicial custody for 30 days, instead of being automatically removed. The issue has sparked debate among political parties, while discussions on implementing the Uniform Civil Code continue in several BJP-ruled states.

–IANS

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