Title: Attack on Federalism: Kerala CM on Bills to Remove Jailed PM, CMs
Federalism, the concept of divided powers between the central and state governments, is a cornerstone of the Indian Constitution. However, the recent move by the central government to table two bills in the Parliament, which seek to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who have been arrested or detained for at least 30 days, has raised concern among several state leaders, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Vijayan, in a strong statement, has called the move a “blatant attack on federalism and the rights of states.”
The Kerala Chief Minister, in his statement, highlighted that the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, tabled in the Parliament, is a mischievous attempt to destabilize non-BJP governments by weaponizing central agencies and jailing opponents on false charges. “It is an attempt to browbeat and intimidate state governments and their leaders, particularly those who do not align with the ruling party,” Vijayan added.
The Bill, which is being pushed by the central government, is a clear violation of the fundamental principles of federalism, where the powers of the central government are clearly defined and limited. By seeking to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who have been arrested or detained for at least 30 days, the Bill is attempting to undermine the authority of state governments and the democratic process.
The move, critics argue, is a thinly veiled attempt to silence opposition voices and prevent them from taking office. “It is an attack on the democratic values of our country and a direct assault on the sovereignty of the states,” Vijayan said.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s concerns are not unfounded. In recent years, there have been instances where central agencies have been used to target opposition leaders and silence their voices. The ruling party has been accused of using its influence to muzzle opposition voices and prevent them from taking office.
The move by the central government is seen as a direct attack on the democratic institutions of the country, where the fundamental right to free speech and expression are being curtailed. “It is a desperate attempt by the ruling party to cling to power and silence opposition voices,” Vijayan added.
The Bill, critics argue, is also a clear violation of the principle of separation of powers, where the executive, legislative, and judiciary are meant to function independently of each other. By seeking to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers, the Bill is attempting to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the legislative.
The move by the central government is also seen as a direct attack on the rights of citizens, who are entitled to freedom of speech and expression. “It is an attempt to curtail the fundamental rights of citizens and silence opposition voices,” Vijayan added.
The Kerala Chief Minister has urged the central government to reconsider its decision and instead focus on addressing the real issues of the country, such as corruption, unemployment, and poverty. “Instead of attacking the democratic institutions of the country, the central government should focus on addressing the real issues of the people,” Vijayan added.
The move by the central government has been widely condemned by several opposition parties, who have described it as a “blatant attack on democracy and federalism.” The move, critics argue, is a clear attempt to undermine the authority of state governments and the democratic process.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s strong statement highlights the concern among several state leaders about the move by the central government. The move, critics argue, is a clear attack on the democratic values of the country and a direct assault on the sovereignty of the states.
In conclusion, the move by the central government to table two bills in the Parliament, which seek to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who have been arrested or detained for at least 30 days, is a blatant attack on federalism and the rights of states. The move, critics argue, is a clear attempt to undermine the authority of state governments and the democratic process, and is a direct attack on the fundamental rights of citizens. The Kerala Chief Minister’s strong statement highlights the concern among several state leaders about the move by the central government.
