Attack on Federalism: Kerala CM on Bills to Remove Jailed PM, CMs
In a scathing attack on the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has termed it as a “blatant attack on federalism and the rights of states”. The Bill, tabled in the Parliament today, seeks to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who have been arrested or detained for at least 30 days. Vijayan’s strong words come as a warning to the government, cautioning them against using central agencies to destabilize non-BJP governments and jail opponents on false charges.
According to Vijayan, the Bill is a “desperate attempt” by the government to consolidate power and undermine the federal structure of the country. He pointed out that the Bill takes away the autonomy of states and gives the Centre unprecedented powers to interfere in the governance of states. “This is a clear violation of the Constitution and the principles of federalism,” he said.
The Kerala Chief Minister also accused the government of using central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to harass and intimidate political opponents. “These agencies are being misused to settle political scores and destroy the opposition,” he alleged.
Vijayan’s criticism of the Bill is not without reason. The proposed legislation gives the Centre the power to remove a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who has been arrested or detained for at least 30 days. This, according to experts, is a clear violation of the Constitution and the principles of federalism.
The Bill also allows the Centre to appoint an administrator to take over the governance of a state if the Chief Minister or the Cabinet is unable to function due to the arrest or detention of key leaders. This, Vijayan warned, would lead to a “breakdown of democracy” and “complete chaos” in the state.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s criticism of the Bill has been echoed by opposition parties, who have termed it as an “attack on democracy” and a “desperate attempt” by the government to cling to power. The Congress, the Left parties, and other opposition parties have also criticized the Bill, saying it is a clear violation of the Constitution and the principles of federalism.
The Bill, which has been tabled in the Parliament, is expected to face opposition from the opposition parties and may be voted down. However, the government has expressed its determination to push the Bill through, despite the opposition.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s criticism of the Bill comes at a time when the opposition is already reeling from a series of attacks by the government. The opposition has been accusing the government of using central agencies to harass and intimidate political opponents, and Vijayan’s criticism of the Bill has added fuel to the fire.
The government, on the other hand, has defended the Bill, saying it is necessary to ensure the stability of the government and the country. The government has also claimed that the Bill is not an attack on federalism, but rather a necessary measure to prevent political instability.
However, Vijayan’s criticism of the Bill has highlighted the deep divisions within the country and the opposition to the government’s policies. The Kerala Chief Minister’s strong words have also sent a clear message to the government, warning them against using central agencies to destabilize non-BJP governments and jail opponents on false charges.
In conclusion, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a clear attack on federalism and the rights of states. The Bill, which seeks to remove PM, CMs, and Ministers arrested or detained for at least 30 days, is a desperate attempt by the government to consolidate power and undermine the federal structure of the country. The Kerala Chief Minister’s criticism of the Bill has highlighted the deep divisions within the country and the opposition to the government’s policies.
