Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Opposition Leaders Call for PMLA Reforms After Sharad Pawar’s Renewed Criticism

Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray urge amendments to the 2012 Prevention of Money Laundering Act, citing its misuse against opposition leaders under the BJP government.

Mumbai, India. May 17, 2025: Shiv Sena (UBT) party leader and MP Sanjay Raut's book titled ‘Narkatala Swarg’ (Heaven in hell) launched at the hands of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, lyricist Javed Akhtar and All India Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Mumbai, India. May 17, 2025. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT Photo) (Hindustan Times)
Image

Overview

  • Sharad Pawar reiterated his 2012 warning to the UPA government that the PMLA amendments, which reversed the burden of proof, could be exploited by future governments.
  • Since 2014, the BJP-led government has used the PMLA to target 19 opposition leaders, including high-profile figures such as P. Chidambaram and Sanjay Raut.
  • Sanjay Raut’s memoir, detailing his 101 days in jail under the PMLA, has reignited opposition demands for legislative reforms to prevent further misuse of the law.
  • Uddhav Thackeray called for granting states equal authority to invoke the PMLA, arguing for a more balanced federal structure in the use of investigative powers.
  • Pawar and opposition allies emphasized the need to repeal or amend the 2012 changes if power shifts, framing it as essential to safeguarding democratic rights.