‘On federalism, for the BJP, unity is often a synonym for uniformity’

The Centre is displaying a disturbing tendency to undermine federalism. For instance, increasing the monetary share of states in centrally sponsored schemes, imposition of demonetisation, outsourcing statutory functions of the Smart Cities Mission, delays in transfer of GST compensation, Government of National Capital Territory Amendment Act, etc. There is a concerted move to weaken states’ autonomy, which is dangerous for the country. KK Kailash, who’s with the Department of Political Science at the University of Hyderabad and whose research focuses on political parties and elections, coalition politics and processes and issues of federalism in contemporary India, speaks to All Indians Matter.