Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan voiced strong criticism against the Central government on Saturday, accusing it of undermining the democratic system in India by attempting to exert control over Constitutional institutions. Specifically, he alleged that the Centre was seeking influence over key bodies such as the Election Commission. Speaking at a symposium for government officials organized by the state Information Commission, Vijayan expressed concern about recent amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, claiming that they were aimed at aligning the Central Information Commission with the political preferences of the ruling party at the Centre.
Vijayan highlighted the perceived dangers of these actions, emphasizing that such attempts to control Constitutional institutions could fundamentally weaken the democratic fabric of the country. He urged both the public and officials to remain vigilant against such practices and stressed the importance of adapting the RTI Act to changing times. According to Vijayan, the current law should be implemented in a more responsible and people-friendly manner, with the potential to contribute significantly to achieving a corruption-free democratic system.
Addressing government officials as public servants, the chief minister called upon them to fulfill their duties by understanding the true essence of the Constitution and its preamble. Kerala, Vijayan noted, holds the distinction of being the least corrupt state in the country, and he urged continued efforts to eradicate corruption entirely from the state. Emphasizing shared responsibility, he stated that both the people and officials play crucial roles in the mission to eliminate corrupt practices.
In addition to critiquing the alleged attempts to control Constitutional institutions, Vijayan advocated for reforms in the RTI Act, aligning it with the evolving needs of the time. He underscored the Act’s potential to contribute significantly to a corruption-free democracy. Overall, the chief minister’s remarks reflected a broader concern about the state of democracy and governance in the country, particularly in relation to the perceived encroachment on the independence of key institutions by the Central government.
