Pudukkottai, Aug. 23 -- Tamil Nadu Minister for Natural Resources, Courts, Prisons and Prevention of Corruption, S Regupathy, sharply criticised the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill that proposes automatic disqualification of elected representatives if they spend 30 days in prison.

Speaking to reporters at the Pudukkottai District Collectorate after attending a Tamil Nadu Sanitation Workers Welfare Board event, Regupathy alleged that such legislative moves are intended to "suppress opposition parties" in states not ruled by the central party.

Regupathy said, "Such laws are being introduced only to suppress opposition parties in states ruled by them and to indirectly snatch away power. However, these moves will be checked through the ...