Attack on Federalism: Kerala CM on Bills to Remove Jailed PM, CMs
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, tabled in the Parliament today, has sparked widespread controversy and concern among political leaders and experts. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a strong-worded statement, has called the bill a “blatant attack on federalism and the rights of states”. According to Vijayan, the bill seeks to “destabilize non-BJP governments by weaponizing central agencies and jailing opponents on false charges”.
The bill, if passed, would allow the central government to remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who have been arrested or detained for at least 30 days from office. This move has been widely criticized for its potential to undermine the federal architecture of the country and erode the powers of state governments.
Vijayan, while addressing a press conference, emphasized that the bill is a clear attempt to target non-BJP governments and undermine the democratic process. “This bill is a declaration of war on federalism and the rights of states,” he said. “It seeks to create a dictatorial regime where the central government can arbitrarily dismiss elected representatives of the people”.
The Kerala CM’s remarks echo the concerns of many opposition leaders and experts, who have warned that the bill could lead to a decline in the quality of governance and undermine the autonomy of state governments. “This bill is a clear attempt to centralize power and undermine the federal structure of the country,” said Vijayan. “It is a threat to the very fabric of our democracy”.
Vijayan’s comments come at a time when the country is already reeling from the impact of the Pegasus spyware scandal, which has exposed the government’s alleged use of surveillance technology to spy on opposition leaders, journalists, and activists. The controversy has led to widespread protests and calls for accountability, with many demanding an independent investigation into the matter.
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been tabled in the Parliament amidst growing tensions between the central government and state governments. The bill is seen as a brazen attempt by the central government to assert its authority over state governments and undermine their autonomy.
Experts have pointed out that the bill is a clear violation of the principles of federalism, which enshrines the autonomy of state governments in the Constitution. “The bill is a clear attack on the principles of federalism and the rights of states,” said political scientist Dr. S. Parasuraman. “It seeks to undermine the autonomy of state governments and create a centralized regime where the central government can dictate the terms of governance”.
The bill has also been criticized for its potential to create a culture of fear and intimidation, where opposition leaders and activists are arrested and detained on false charges. “This bill is a clear attempt to create a culture of fear and intimidation,” said Vijayan. “It seeks to silence opposition voices and create a regime where dissent is not tolerated”.
The Kerala CM’s remarks have been backed by many opposition leaders, who have condemned the bill as a “blatant attack on democracy”. “This bill is a clear attempt to undermine the democratic process and create a regime where the central government can dictate the terms of governance,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The bill is set to be taken up for discussion in the Parliament, with many opposition parties vowing to strongly resist its passage. The controversy has highlighted the growing tensions between the central government and state governments, with many questioning the motives behind the bill.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a clear attack on federalism and the rights of states. It is a move that has far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic structure and the autonomy of state governments.
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