Stalin calls for uniting democratic forces backing federal principles

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday said democratic forces in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha that strongly support the principles of federalism should be brought together to advance constitutional reforms.

“It is a historic day as the DMK government has taken the initiative to guide not only Tamil Nadu but the Indian Union comprising all States. The report will be sent to all political parties in the country,” Mr. Stalin said after tabling Part I of the report of the High-Level Committee on Union–State Relations.

“We are at a critical juncture in determining the future of the Indian Constitution. We must reassess the path we have travelled so far and chart a course to strengthen a truly federal structure for our future,” he said.

Recalling the DMK’s legacy on State autonomy, he said its founder and former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai had spoken for States’ rights in the Rajya Sabha, and the demand formed part of the party’s 1967 election manifesto. He also referred to the appointment of the Justice Rajamannar Committee in 1969 by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, with A. Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar and P. Chandra Shetty as members, which he said drew national attention to Centre–State relations.

Citing the Supreme Court’s judgment in the S.R. Bommai case, which held that federalism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution, Mr. Stalin said federalism must be firmly embedded as a guiding constitutional principle. “There is a need for constitutional amendments and reforms. The Constitution has been amended 106 times in 76 years. If we make the effort, we can amend it again,” he said.

He stressed the Union government and the States were not competitors but stakeholders in a shared framework, and that India would progress only if its States progressed.

Making a strong case for an open-minded acceptance of the report and a meaningful debate to restore balance in Union–State relations, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Union would be strong only when the States were strong.

“States bring development and pride to a country. Federal principles are not a privilege, but an armour that protects the nation. We must make those in power understand this,” he said.