Is the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill a Tool to Target Opposition-ruled State Governments?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pinarayi Vijayan challenges the legitimacy of the 130th Amendment Bill.
- The Bill is viewed as a political strategy by the BJP and Sangh Parivar.
- Concerns arise over the erosion of state autonomy.
- A call for unified resistance against anti-democratic practices.
- The implications for federal structure and governance are significant.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 20 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan vehemently condemned the Union government regarding the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, claiming it forms part of a broader political agenda orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar and the BJP to undermine state governments led by the opposition.
In a pointed critique, Vijayan asserted that the Bill, recently presented in the Lok Sabha, should be interpreted merely as an extension of the BJP’s vendetta politics employing central investigative agencies.
“The Sangh Parivar has initiated a new tactic to eliminate non-BJP state administrations. This amendment is driven not by genuine governance concerns but by a political motive to erode the federal framework of our nation,” remarked Vijayan.
The Chief Minister highlighted that historically, numerous chief ministers and ministers throughout the nation have endured lengthy imprisonments on corruption allegations, yet they refrained from resigning.
He suggested that the Centre's discontent with this reality has led to the rush introduction of the 130th Amendment.
“This latest experiment in neo-fascist politics involves fabricating charges against opposition leaders, incarcerating them, and subsequently disqualifying them from office,” added Vijayan.
Vijayan also took aim at the BJP for what he described as its hypocrisy concerning corruption.
“Individuals detained in corruption scandals are treated like saints as soon as they join the BJP. The party must clarify under what Constitutional morality such an illogical stance prevails,” questioned Vijayan.
He further claimed that the Bill represents an ongoing effort to undermine the Constitutional rights of states, citing recent attempts to enhance the veto powers of Governors over state legislatures.
“Currently, the objective is to destabilize entire state administrations under the guise of Constitutional amendments,” emphasized Vijayan.
Calling for a unified response, the Chief Minister urged all democratic entities to mobilize against this initiative.
“This anti-democratic maneuver by the Sangh Parivar, aimed at silencing political adversaries, demands a collective resistance. The 130th Constitutional Amendment, which paves the way for political exploitation, must be opposed unanimously,” concluded Vijayan.