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Tamil Nadu Report Raises Federalism Concerns

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 13:13 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: Tamil Nadu, INDIA

Chennai, February 22nd, 2026 - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin tabled a highly anticipated report in the state assembly today, the culmination of a high-level panel's examination of Union-State relations in India. The report, which sources say is meticulously detailed and thoroughly researched, raises serious concerns about the evolving dynamics of federalism and alleges a growing centralization of power at the national level, potentially eroding the autonomy of states.

The panel, formed several months ago by the Tamil Nadu government, focused specifically on instances where state governments, not just Tamil Nadu, perceive the Union government as exceeding its constitutional limits. While the specific examples within the report haven't been fully released to the public yet, government sources indicate they encompass a range of issues, including financial matters, legislative overreach, and interference in areas traditionally considered within the states' jurisdiction - such as education, agriculture, and even law enforcement.

Chief Minister Stalin, speaking passionately before the assembly, framed the report as a necessary step towards safeguarding the foundational principles of India's federal structure. He argued that a strong Union doesn't necessitate a weakened state, and that the true strength of India lies in a collaborative relationship built on mutual respect and a clear demarcation of powers. "We are not seeking confrontation," Stalin stated, "but clarity. Clarity on the constitutional boundaries and a commitment to cooperative federalism." He stressed the report isn't a partisan document, but a principled stand for the rights guaranteed to states under the Indian constitution.

The tabling of this report comes amidst a growing chorus of discontent from several non-BJP ruled states. For years, states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Rajasthan have voiced similar concerns, alleging the Union government is increasingly bypassing state governments on policy matters and utilizing centrally-controlled agencies to exert undue influence. These complaints often center on financial matters, specifically the allocation of funds and the conditions attached to central grants. States argue these conditions often infringe on their policy autonomy and force them to adopt schemes that may not be best suited to their specific needs.

The report is expected to ignite a nationwide debate about the very nature of Indian federalism. Some political analysts believe the current system, while nominally federal, has gradually shifted towards a more unitary form of governance. They point to the increasing reliance on centrally sponsored schemes, the growing power of centrally controlled investigative agencies, and the tendency to bypass states on crucial policy decisions as evidence of this trend.

"This report is not just about Tamil Nadu; it's a symptom of a wider malaise," explains Dr. Priya Sharma, a political science professor at the University of Madras. "The constitutional framework allows for a degree of flexibility, which has led to a gradual erosion of state autonomy over time. While the Union government is legitimately tasked with maintaining national unity and security, there's a perception that it's increasingly encroaching on areas that rightfully belong to the states."

The document details proposals for a re-evaluation of the legislative powers allocated to the Union and the states, potentially recommending amendments to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Experts suggest the panel may advocate for a more robust Inter-State Council, empowering it with greater authority to mediate disputes and promote cooperation between the Union and the states. The Inter-State Council, a constitutional body intended to facilitate coordination, has been largely inactive in recent years, a point highlighted within the report as a critical failure of the federal system.

While the Union government has yet to officially respond to the report, sources within the ruling party suggest they are likely to view it as politically motivated. However, given the growing number of states expressing similar concerns, ignoring the issues raised could further exacerbate tensions and potentially lead to a constitutional crisis. The coming weeks will undoubtedly see intense political maneuvering and debate as the implications of the Tamil Nadu report ripple across the Indian political landscape. The question now is whether this will be a turning point towards a more balanced federal structure, or a further escalation of the ongoing power struggle between the Union and the states.