PM Modi Said No To Exemption declined to seek a special exemption for himself in a bill that aims to create a framework for the removal of ministers on grounds of misconduct or non-performance. The disclosure underscores PM Modi’s stance on transparency, accountability, and equality before law, adding a new dimension to the ongoing debate on political reforms in India.
The Bill And Its Purpose
The bill in question, tabled in Parliament earlier this year, seeks to establish a legal mechanism for the removal of ministers who fail to uphold standards of public service. The legislation is designed to strengthen the doctrine of collective responsibility, making ministers more accountable to Parliament and the public.
The framework includes:
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A review process for ministers’ performance and ethical conduct.
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Provisions for removal in case of serious misconduct, corruption, or negligence.
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Checks to ensure that decisions are not misused for political vendetta.
While drafting the bill, legal experts and government officials debated whether the Prime Minister should be exempted from its purview. According to Rijiju, it was PM Modi himself who firmly opposed any such exemption.
PM Modi’s Stand On Equality : PM Modi Said No To Exemption
Speaking at a political event, Rijiju highlighted Modi’s position:
“The Prime Minister was very clear—there cannot be one law for ministers and another for the Prime Minister. He said if such a bill applies to the Council of Ministers, it must apply to him as well. No leader should be above accountability.”
This statement has been widely interpreted as PM Modi’s attempt to project himself as a leader of integrity, willing to hold himself to the same standards he expects from others.
Political Reactions : PM Modi Said No To Exemption
The revelation sparked immediate reactions across the political spectrum:
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BJP Leaders: Welcomed Modi’s stance as proof of his “clean governance” and commitment to transparency.
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Opposition Parties: While some acknowledged the gesture, others argued that the real test lies in implementation, not declarations.
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Political Analysts: Described the move as symbolic but significant, especially in the context of upcoming elections where accountability is a central theme.
Broader Push For Reforms
The bill is part of the Modi government’s broader push for institutional reforms aimed at enhancing public trust in governance. Over the past few years, several initiatives have been launched, including:
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Electoral reforms such as linking Aadhaar to voter IDs.
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Judicial reforms to reduce case pendency.
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Administrative reforms promoting digital governance and reducing red tape.
By refusing exemption, PM Modi has reinforced his government’s message that leaders must lead by example.
Public Sentiment
Among citizens, the news has been met with mixed responses. While many welcomed the idea of holding all ministers—including the Prime Minister—accountable, some expressed skepticism about how effectively such a law could be enforced in practice.
A college professor in Delhi remarked:
“It is good optics, no doubt. But the key question is: will the political system actually use this mechanism sincerely, or will it become another tool for power struggles?”
Expert Opinion
Constitutional experts say that while the move is unprecedented, its practical implications will depend on the fine print of the law.
“For decades, India has lacked a clear legal provision for the removal of non-performing ministers. This bill could fill that gap, but safeguards must be strong to prevent misuse,” said senior lawyer Arvind Rao. PM Modi Said No To Exemption
Conclusion
Kiren Rijiju’s revelation that PM Modi declined a special exemption in the bill to remove ministers has added weight to the government’s reformist image. By insisting that he, too, should be subject to the same rules as his ministers, Modi has positioned himself as a leader committed to accountability and equality before law.
However, the coming months will determine whether this legislation becomes a real tool for reform or remains a symbolic gesture. Either way, the move has already ignited a fresh debate about political ethics and governance standards in the world’s largest democracy. PM Modi Said No To Exemption
