- Undoubtedly, the Indian political landscape is as vibrant, colorful, and fascinating as the democratic form of government is known to be across the world. As we know, democracy is all about people who are the real stakeholders in choosing elected representatives to govern them. Of course, it is also quite obvious that the federal structure of the governance, an integral part of the democracy, is often in the grip of strain owing to the differences of opinion, ideology, and principles as espoused by different political parties. The central and state governments in India are often governed by different parties but there are several states where the same political party rules as well.
PC: ipleaders
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliances (NDA) is a case in point. The BJP has given an appropriate moniker to such governments as double-engine meaning similar parties shouldering the governance at both ends helping decision-making as well as implementing welfare schemes in a time-bound manner. However, one cannot expect opposition parties to remain submissive or toe the line of the ruling dispensation for too long. In the Indian context, there are several equally strong regional political parties who not only pose a significant challenge to the BJP but also nurture ambitions to overthrow given an opportunity.
- Further, sporadic efforts to forge equal-minded alliances also take place with disparate political parties attempting to pose a formidable challenge to the saffron brigade. One such effort is presently underway with opposition chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu planning to meet. Ostensibly, this meet is planned to discuss federalism can be a good initiative. Notice, a cocktail of grouses and politics won’t help in bolstering opposition CMs since the principle of federalism has to be articulated through the prism of governance, and what makes for best practices in each area.
PC: Ladipo Adamolekun
- A good example of federalism can be seen in India’s vaccination programme or for that matter public distribution system (PDS). A vaccination drive undertaken during the height of the pandemic last year ensured equitable distribution to states helping the nation to thwart the virus considerably. Similarly, GST, for all its stress points, is also a good example of federalism at work. Conversely, bypassing federalism comes at a cost that is not lost on anybody. For instance, had farm reform been discussed at the federal forum, where BJP sought out views of states, explained the costs of the current procurement system and states articulated their assessment of such changes and local responses to it, agriculture may have actually witnessed some change.
- We all know how the issue eventually turned out with the repeal of the three farm laws. Likewise, a draft proposal to change the system of IAS and IPS officers has run rough weather with the states. A federally animated discussion would have first recognized that the root problem is a huge shortage of officers for a big country like India, and the UPSC intake must sharply go up. Remember, all talks of discussing the merits of federalism must be mindful that politicking or pushing their pet issues would hardly serve the purpose. Alas, knowing our politicians too well, it would be anything but pushing ahead with individual agenda. Nonetheless, if the proposed meet establishes in raising substantive points on federalism, it will do opposition states and wider governance a big favor.
