Attack on Federalism: Kerala CM on Bills to Remove Jailed PM, CMs
The Indian federal system has been facing a severe challenge in recent times, with the central government introducing bills that potentially undermine the autonomy of states. The latest development in this regard is the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was tabled in the Parliament on [Date]. The bill seeks to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers from office if they are arrested or detained for at least 30 days.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly opposed the bill, terming it a “blatant attack on federalism and the rights of states”. According to Vijayan, the bill is a desperate attempt by the central government to destabilize non-BJP governments by weaponizing central agencies and jailing opponents on false charges.
The bill, if passed, would give the central government the power to remove elected representatives from office without a fair trial or due process. This, in essence, would undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and federalism. The bill would also give the central government an unprecedented level of control over the functioning of state governments, potentially leading to a erosion of the autonomy of states.
Vijayan’s criticism of the bill is not unfounded. The bill is seen as a clear attempt by the central government to target opposition-ruled states and governments. The bill’s provisions are so vague that they could be used to arrest and remove any elected representative who is deemed to be a threat to the government’s interests.
The bill is also seen as a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary. The provision that allows the removal of elected representatives from office without a fair trial or due process is a clear violation of the principles of natural justice. It is a clear attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary and to ensure that the central government’s decisions are not challenged.
The opposition to the bill is not limited to Kerala alone. Many other opposition-ruled states and governments have also come out in opposition to the bill. The bill is seen as a threat to the very fabric of democracy and federalism in India.
The Congress party has also opposed the bill, terming it as a “clear attempt to undermine the autonomy of states and to target opposition-ruled governments”. The party has demanded that the bill be withdrawn and that the central government should instead focus on addressing the real issues facing the country.
The bill is also seen as a clear attempt to undermine the independence of the Election Commission of India. The provision that allows the central government to remove elected representatives from office without a fair trial or due process is a clear violation of the principles of electoral democracy. It is a clear attempt to undermine the independence of the Election Commission and to ensure that the central government’s decisions are not challenged.
In conclusion, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 is a clear attack on federalism and the rights of states. The bill seeks to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers from office if they are arrested or detained for at least 30 days. The bill is seen as a desperate attempt by the central government to destabilize non-BJP governments by weaponizing central agencies and jailing opponents on false charges. The bill is also seen as a clear attack on the independence of the judiciary and the Election Commission of India. The opposition to the bill is not limited to Kerala alone and many other opposition-ruled states and governments have also come out in opposition to the bill.
