Synopsis
G.K. Vasan of Tamil Maanila Congress criticized M.K. Stalin's plan to establish a committee for Centre-State relations, deeming it unnecessary. Vasan emphasized the Union government's role in Tamil Nadu's development and accused Stalin of politicizing the issue. Stalin defended the committee's potential benefits for all states in India.Key Takeaways
- G.K. Vasan opposes Stalin's committee on Centre-State relations.
- Union government promotes state rights and welfare.
- Committee chaired by Justice Kurian Joseph.
- Focus on relocating subjects to State List.
- Expected to submit reports by 2026.
Chennai, April 15 (NationPress) The president of Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), G.K. Vasan, expressed his disapproval on Tuesday regarding Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's initiative to establish a high-level committee aimed at reviewing Centre-State relations, labeling it as ‘unnecessary and inappropriate’.
Vasan emphasized that the Union government has consistently defended the interests of all states, fostering national unity and implementing various welfare programs that have significantly advanced the development of Tamil Nadu.
“Consequently, the state has experienced notable progress, with its citizens reaping the benefits of the Union government's initiatives,” he stated, accusing the Chief Minister of politicizing the Centre’s involvement in Tamil Nadu’s growth.
“In a period when the Centre is actively contributing to the state’s development, the Chief Minister is unjustly criticizing the Union government, overlooking its contributions and treating it as a political rival,” he remarked.
Vasan's comments were in response to Chief Minister Stalin’s announcement in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly about the formation of a three-member expert committee tasked with examining and suggesting improvements to centre-state relations.
This committee is also expected to investigate the feasibility of relocating certain subjects, such as education, from the Union List back to the State List of the Constitution.
The panel will be presided over by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph, alongside former IAS officer Ashok Vardhan Shetty and Professor Naganathan, former Deputy Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission.
It is slated to deliver an interim report by January 2026 and a final report within two years. The committee will undertake a comprehensive study of the Constitution of India and reassess recommendations from earlier expert bodies, including the Rajamannar Committee of 1971 and the M.M. Punchhi Commission of 2004, which evaluated Centre-State relations.
In defense of this decision, Stalin asserted that Tamil Nadu has historically been at the forefront of advocating for constitutional values and federal principles.
“The work of this committee is not solely for Tamil Nadu but will also serve all states - from Gujarat to the Northeast and from Kashmir to Kerala,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister further referenced the ideologies of B.R. Ambedkar and U.S. Constitution architect James Madison to underscore the necessity for robust, autonomous state governments within a unified national framework, highlighting the vital role of genuine federalism in a diverse democracy like India.
