Attack on Federalism: Kerala CM on Bills to Remove Jailed PM, CMs
The recent developments in the Indian Parliament have sparked intense debates and concerns among political leaders and citizens alike. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, tabled in the Parliament today, has been strongly criticized by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has termed it a “blatant attack on federalism and the rights of states”. Vijayan’s statement has raised concerns about the potential consequences of the bill and its implications on the country’s political landscape.
According to Vijayan, the bill seeks to “destabilise non-BJP governments by weaponising central agencies and jailing opponents on false charges”. He has emphasized that the bill is a direct attack on the principles of federalism and the federal structure of the country. “It is an attempt to silence dissenting voices and undermine the authority of democratically-elected governments,” he said.
The bill, if passed, will enable the removal of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who have been arrested or detained for at least 30 days. Vijayan has argued that this provision is designed to target opposition leaders and governments, and to undermine their ability to function effectively.
This development has significant implications for the country’s political landscape. If implemented, the bill could lead to a situation where opposition leaders and governments are constantly under threat of being removed from office, regardless of their legitimacy and the will of the people. This could lead to a erosion of trust in the democratic system and undermine the very fabric of federalism.
Moreover, Vijayan has pointed out that the bill is a clear violation of the principles of federalism, which are enshrined in the Indian Constitution. “Federalism is all about the coexistence of power between the Centre and the States,” he said. “But this bill seeks to undermine that balance and create a situation where the Centre has absolute control over the States.”
Vijayan’s concerns are not unfounded. The bill has been met with widespread criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the ruling party of trying to undermine democracy and the federal structure of the country. The bill has also been criticized by legal experts, who have pointed out that it is unconstitutional and violative of the principles of natural justice.
In a statement, Vijayan said, “This bill is a clear attempt to silence dissenting voices and undermine the authority of democratically-elected governments. It is an attack on the very fabric of federalism and the democratic system of the country.”
The bill has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on the country’s governance. If implemented, it could lead to a situation where governments are constantly under threat of being removed from office, regardless of their legitimacy and the will of the people. This could lead to a lack of stability and continuity in governance, which could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s development and progress.
In conclusion, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, has sparked intense debates and concerns about the potential consequences of the bill and its implications on the country’s political landscape. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s criticism of the bill is a timely reminder of the importance of protecting federalism and the democratic system of the country.
