JMM slams Centre, calls new Bill a step towards 'end of democracy'

Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the introduction of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, calling it a deliberate move to dismantle democratic institutions and shift India towards autocratic rule.

Addressing a press conference in Ranchi, Bhattacharya claimed the Bill was part of a larger design that began in 2019, which he described as the “beginning of the end of democracy.” He alleged that central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), CBI, and even the Election Commission were being weaponised to target opposition leaders across India.

“The pattern is clear — first agencies are unleashed, and when that fails, constitutional amendments are brought in to remove any remaining checks on power,” Bhattacharya said. “The aim is to replace democracy with a system where dissent is criminalised, and only the ruler’s will prevails.”

He linked the timing of the Bill to recent electoral setbacks for the BJP, particularly in Bihar, where the NDA fell short of its targeted numbers. “Of the 240 seats NDA secured, only 140 belong to BJP. The rest were managed through alliance arithmetic, much of which is now shaky,” he said, adding that the BJP was now attempting to intimidate regional allies through investigations and pressure tactics.