Siddaramaiah Warns Against Shift to 'Coercive Centralism' in India

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expresses concern over India's shift from cooperative federalism to coercive centralism, where decisions are imposed on states. At a socialist conference, he warns that this trend threatens the country's constitutional democracy and could marginalize southern states politically and economically.

In a strongly worded statement at the South Indian Socialist Conference, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized what he described as a dangerous shift from cooperative federalism to coercive centralism in India.

The Chief Minister warned that decisions being imposed from Delhi onto states under the guise of reforms could threaten the very foundation of India's federal democracy. Siddaramaiah noted that while states are expected to implement welfare policies, they are simultaneously being denied necessary funds, stifling local governance.

He further cautioned against the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, stating it could reduce the political influence of southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, thus skewing resource allocation and leading to further centralization of power.

(With inputs from agencies.)