The sentiment for boycotting the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) formed to scrutinize bills regarding the removal of jailed ministers is gaining traction, with the Communist Party of India (CPI) declaring that parliamentary panels are ineffective under the current government. This stance, following similar decisions by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP), Shiv Sena UBT, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is increasing pressure on the Indian National Congress to reconsider its participation.

CPI MP Sandosh Kumar stated that the JPC on the Waqf bill demonstrated that such panels are merely an attempt to create the appearance of collective scrutiny, while in reality, they are a facade. He added that while JPC members previously had the power to summon documents and scrutinize details, the opposition's suggestions are now rejected outright.

The Congress party is currently debating whether to join the JPC. Some within the party are advocating for a boycott, echoing the concerns of other opposition parties. These parties believe their opposition to the bill is strong and that the panel will not make a difference. There is a sense that joining the JPC could be useful, but there's also a desire to maintain a united front against the BJP.

Other parties within the INDIA bloc have also expressed their unwillingness to participate in the JPC, alleging that the bills are aimed at destabilizing opposition parties. They argue that the government intends to use the legislation to topple governments, encourage horse-trading, and trap opposition leaders in false cases. Concerns have also been raised that the JPC route is being used as a delaying tactic to avoid serious debate in Parliament.

Conversely, Home Minister Amit Shah questioned how the opposition's views could be considered if they did not participate in the JPC process. This prompted Congress to consider submitting names of its MPs for the committee, which will consist of 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. DMK's TKS Elangovan said his party favored joining JPC to register its opposition to the bill.

The bills in question include The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill. These bills propose the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other central and state ministers arrested or detained for at least 30 days on serious criminal charges. The government claims the constitutional amendment bill aims to curb corruption.

The Congress party's decision is crucial, as it is the largest party in the INDIA bloc. Its initial inclination to join the committee to voice its dissent differed from that of its key allies, sparking talks of a rift within the alliance. However, with increasing pressure from regional allies and concerns about the JPC's effectiveness, the Congress is now reconsidering its stance. A final decision is expected soon.