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Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:32 pm

Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:32 pm

Is the federal framework at risk?

Is the federal framework at risk?
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A strong opposition is crucial for functional democracy, and the Indian electorate demonstrated this.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of an NITI Aayog meeting when her microphone was allegedly turned off after five minutes, indicating a new low in ties between the Modi 3.0 NDA government and opposition-ruled states. Mamata Banerjee attended the NITI Aayog meeting to present the Opposition’s viewpoint to the Centre, despite other INDIA bloc CMs boycotting the meeting due to neglect of their states in the Union Budget.

 

However, her dramatic walkout and angry diatribe against the administration during her engagement with the press outside the meeting prevented any reconciliation between the Union government and non-BJP-ruled states.
After the Centre’s response of Mamata’s claims failed to gain public support, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed to present the government’s perspective.

 

Her harsh response to the West Bengal Chief Minister’s claims, including branding her a liar, exacerbated the situation. The INDIA grouping parties defended Mamata, but the BJP-led government’s relationship with the revived Opposition bloc has worsened further.
Despite having fewer seats in the 18th Lok Sabha and relying heavily on Nitish Kumar’s JD-U and Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP for survival, the BJP remains aggressive.

 

The alliance aims to satisfy its two allies by announcing generous budget packages for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. This is done in the expectation that the government would remain stable. The general election results do not appear to have taught anyone any lessons about humility. A strong opposition is required for a functional democracy, and the Indian electorate delivered on that promise with its verdict. Federalism is ingrained in India’s political system. India is, after all, a union of states. The Central government must acknowledge their equal and significant contribution in boosting the economy. To become a powerful nation, India must prioritize its citizens’ interests and well-being.

 

Neglecting opposition-ruled states is counterproductive and harms the country’s federal system. A true double engine sarkar occurs when the Centre and states collaborate for the betterment of the nation, regardless of their political affiliations. The Constitution clearly defines the functions of the Centre and States. Governments should not deviate from that path.

 

 

 

ABHISHEK VERMA


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