Attack on Federalism: Kerala CM on Bills to Remove Jailed PM, CMs
The recent move by the Parliament to table the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 has sparked widespread concern and outrage across the country. The bill seeks to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who have been arrested or detained for at least 30 days. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly condemned the bill, terming it a “blatant attack on federalism and the rights of states”.
In a statement, Vijayan said that the bill is a “cleverly designed” attempt to destabilize non-BJP governments by weaponizing central agencies and jailing opponents on false charges. He emphasized that the bill is a threat to the very fabric of federalism and the rights of states to govern themselves.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s criticism is not unfounded. The bill, if passed, would give the central government sweeping powers to remove elected representatives who have been arrested or detained. This could potentially be used to target political opponents and undermine the authority of state governments.
Vijayan’s concerns are echoed by many experts who argue that the bill is a clear violation of the principles of federalism. “The bill seeks to undermine the autonomy of states and centralize power in the hands of the central government,” said Dr. A. Sreedhar, a political scientist at the University of Kerala. “It is a clear attempt to stifle dissent and opposition by using the machinery of the state to silence critics.”
The bill has also been criticized for its vague language and lack of clarity. “The bill does not specify what constitutes ‘arrest’ or ‘detention’,” said K. K. Ragesh, a lawyer and human rights activist. “This leaves the door open for the central government to interpret the bill in any way they see fit, potentially leading to arbitrary and discriminatory actions.”
The bill has been tabled in Parliament by the ruling BJP government, which has been accused of using its majority to push through controversial legislation. Opposition parties have urged the government to withdraw the bill, citing concerns about its implications for federalism and the rights of states.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s statement has been widely shared on social media, with many politicians and activists expressing their support for the bill. “The bill is a clear attack on democracy and federalism,” said Sudheeran P. J., a former Kerala Minister. “We cannot allow the central government to undermine the authority of state governments and silence opposition voices.”
The controversy surrounding the bill has also sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law. “The bill is a clear attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the legislature,” said Ragesh. “It is a threat to the very foundations of our democracy and must be opposed.”
As the debate around the bill continues, it is clear that the stakes are high. The bill has the potential to fundamentally alter the balance of power between the center and the states, and could have far-reaching implications for democracy and governance in India.
In conclusion, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 is a clear attack on federalism and the rights of states. It seeks to undermine the authority of state governments and silence opposition voices by weaponizing central agencies and jailing opponents on false charges. The bill must be opposed and withdrawn, and the government must prioritize the protection of democratic institutions and the rule of law.
