"Hitlerian assault on democracy": Mamata condemns Constitutional Amendment Bill

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned the proposed 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, calling it a “draconian step” that threatens the foundation of Indian democracy. She said the Bill represents a move “beyond a super-Emergency” and poses a threat to federalism, judicial independence, and citizens’ voting rights.

Banerjee criticized the Bill’s provisions for Special Intensive Revision (SIR), stating that it aims to suppress the voting rights of Indian citizens. She described the measure as “another super-draconian step by the Centre” that undermines the democratic process and could interfere with the functioning of elected state governments.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the Bill’s impact on the judiciary. She said, “This Bill now wants to finish the Independence of our Judiciary… the Bill seeks to strip the judiciary of its Constitutional role— to take away the power of Courts to adjudicate on matters that lie at the very heart of justice and federal balance.” She highlighted that the amendment vests powers in “partisan hands,” which could limit judicial scrutiny and constitutional safeguards.

Banerjee expressed concern over the empowerment of central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI. She said these agencies, described by the Supreme Court as “caged parrots,” could gain authority to interfere in state governance. She added, “The intent of the Bill is to consolidate a system of one man—one party—one Government.”

The Chief Minister called for resistance to the Bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting the Constitution. She said, “To weaken the Courts is to weaken the people. To deny them the right to seek justice is to deny them democracy itself… The people will not forgive any attempt to take away their Courts, their rights, and their democracy.”