Stand with you on advancing Union-State relations: Siddaramaiah to Tamil Nadu CM Stalin

Chennai: At a time when the DMK-Congress alliance talks are deadlocked, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday told his Tamil Nadu counterpart M K Stalin that the state supports the demand for a renewed national conversation on Union–State relations and pitched the need for states to have authority and fiscal space to fulfill responsibilities entrusted to them.

Siddaramaiah wrote to Stalin acknowledging his letter on the report of a three-member commission appointed by the Tamil Nadu government to review Centre-State relationship.

The response, in which Siddaramaiah praised Stalin for his efforts to demand greater autonomy for states, came at a time when his party Congress is involved in a tussle with the DMK over assembly seats.

“Federalism is not a political demand - it is part of the basic structure of our Constitution. Over the years, increasing centralisation in fiscal and legislative matters has disturbed the delicate balance envisioned by our Constitution makers,” he said.

The CM said states must have the authority and fiscal space to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them and that India’s strength lies in cooperative federalism, constitutional trust, and respect for diversity.

“I will urge the Union Government to provide an institutional platform - such as a revitalised Inter-State Council - for all States to deliberate and restore balance in our federal structure. Karnataka stands ready to engage constructively in strengthening India’s democratic and federal framework,” the CM added.

The report submitted to Stalin last month suggested sweeping changes to the way governors are chosen and recommended several measures to improve the relationship between the Centre and States.

Noting that Karnataka shares many of the concerns articulated in the committee’s report, the Chief Minister said the state consistently emphasised that fiscal federalism must align authority with responsibility. Articles 268 to 281, read with the role of the Finance Commission under Article 280 and the GST framework under Article 279A, cannot operate in a manner that dilutes the fiscal sovereignty of States.

“The doctrine of subsidiarity, that governance should occur at the most immediate level consistent with efficiency, is not alien to our constitutional design; it is implicit within it,” he said.

Karnataka, like Tamil Nadu, has been vocal in asserting the legitimate constitutional space of States, whether in matters of language policy, education, public health, fiscal devolution, or legislative autonomy.

“These are not sectional claims; they are constitutional claims. They arise from a principled commitment to pluralism, diversity, and democratic accountability. At this juncture, I believe it is imperative that all States, irrespective of political affiliations, join hands in constructive federal dialogue,” he added.

He also said it would be both appropriate and necessary for the Union Government to provide an institutional platform for all States to deliberate upon these questions.

“Whether through a revitalised Inter-State Council under Article 263, a special conclave of Chief Ministers, or a structured constitutional review dialogue, the Union must facilitate a forum where States can place their recommendations formally, transparently, and deliberatively,” he added.