The relationship between the central government and state governments in India has been a subject of constant tension and negotiation, especially in the post-independence period. While the Indian Constitution established a federal structure, the central government has often been accused of consolidating power at the center, limiting the autonomy of the states. However, over the decades, various political forces have emerged with the aim of reducing the central grip over the states and enhancing the autonomy of the regional governments. This process has been influenced by a variety of factors, including regional aspirations, the rise of regional political parties, and changes in the political and economic landscape of the country.
5.1 Historical Context of Centralization:
The Indian political system was initially designed to maintain a strong central government to ensure national unity and integration. The framers of the Constitution, largely influenced by the colonial experience and the integration of princely states, favored a strong Union. Articles 356 (President’s Rule) and 352 (Emergency provisions) of the Constitution, along with the power to dissolve state governments and impose central control, provided the central government with significant authority over the states. This centralization of power was evident in the dominance of the Indian National Congress (INC), which held power at the national level for most of India’s post-independence history. The central government used its power to influence state politics, control finances, and regulate political discourse, effectively limiting the autonomy of state governments.
5.2 Rise of Regional Movements and Political Forces:
From the 1960s onward, several factors contributed to the growing demand for greater state autonomy. The rise of regional movements, especially in states with distinct linguistic, cultural, or ethnic identities, played a pivotal role in challenging the central government’s control. The formation of states on linguistic lines through the States Reorganization Act of 1956 was a major milestone in the recognition of regional identities. However, despite these reforms, many regional parties and leaders continued to argue that the central government still held too much power and that states were often treated as subordinates to the Union.
Regional Parties and Coalition Politics:
Regional parties began to gain prominence, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, as they mobilized around issues specific to their states, such as language, identity, and regional development. These parties, like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh, and the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, campaigned for greater autonomy for their states. In the 1990s, the rise of coalition politics further challenged the central government’s control. National parties like the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) increasingly relied on alliances with regional parties to form governments, leading to a more decentralized political system.
5.3 Constitutional and Legislative Changes:
Several changes in the political and constitutional framework have sought to reduce the central grip over the states. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992), which provided for the decentralization of power to local governments through Panchayats and Municipalities, were significant steps in empowering states and local bodies. These amendments created a more participatory form of governance at the grassroots level, reducing the central government’s direct control over local affairs.
Finance Commissions and Fiscal Autonomy:
One of the major challenges in the relationship between the center and states has been the issue of fiscal federalism. For a long time, the central government controlled the distribution of financial resources through its control over taxation and central grants. In response to the demands for greater fiscal autonomy, successive Finance Commissions have worked towards a more equitable distribution of resources. The 14th Finance Commission (2015) recommended a substantial increase in the share of states in central taxes from 32% to 42%, giving states greater financial autonomy. This shift represented a significant step toward reducing the central grip over state finances and empowering state governments to have more control over their budgets.
5.4 The Role of the Judiciary:
The judiciary has played a critical role in balancing the power between the center and the states. The Supreme Court has often interpreted the Constitution in ways that have upheld the federal nature of the Indian polity, even when central government policies appeared to infringe on state autonomy. For example, the Court’s ruling in the case of S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) reaffirmed the federal structure by limiting the arbitrary use of President’s Rule (Article 356). Similarly, judicial interventions in cases related to the rights of states to legislate on matters under the Concurrent List have helped maintain a check on the central government’s encroachment on state powers.
5.5 The Shift in National Politics and Federalism in Practice:
The political landscape of India has changed significantly in recent decades, particularly with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a major national party. The BJP, which has largely focused on consolidating its support in both rural and urban areas, has often been criticized for centralizing power, particularly under the leadership of Narendra Modi. The centralization of power through direct governance by the center, especially through schemes like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the controversial Article 370 revocation in Jammu and Kashmir, has sparked debates about the erosion of federal principles.
However, in response to these developments, several state governments, especially those led by opposition parties, have resisted what they perceive as an overreach by the central government. For instance, many states have voiced concerns about the implementation of GST, which they argue reduces their control over indirect taxes. Moreover, political forces like the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi have actively campaigned for greater federalism, arguing that the states should have more control over their political, economic, and cultural affairs.
5.6 Conclusion:
The evolution of state politics in India has witnessed a gradual shift toward reducing the central grip over the states, driven by the demands of regional parties, political movements, and constitutional reforms. While the central government has traditionally held significant power, especially in matters of governance, finance, and law and order, regional forces have increasingly pushed for greater autonomy and decentralization. The rise of coalition politics, judicial interventions, and fiscal reforms have contributed to a more balanced federal structure, though challenges remain, particularly with the recent centralization trends. In the years to come, the balance between central and state powers will continue to be a critical issue in Indian politics, as both the states and the center strive to assert their respective roles in a changing political environment.