A new front in the federalism battle

Tamil Nadu's panel to review Centre-state ties can enrich the conversation on the subject

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The tussle over federal rights has taken a new turn with Tamil Nadu declaring that it has set up a three-member panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, Kurian Joseph, to review constitutional provisions, laws, and policies concerning Centre-state relations and recommend measures to strengthen the claims of the states.

This step needs to be seen in the backdrop of New Delhi and Chennai refusing to see eye-to-eye on a host of issues related to education, language, the role of the governor's office, and the sharing of tax revenue.

The Justice Joseph panel will submit its report to the state government; while its findings will not be legally binding, the symbolism of appointing the panel and its conclusions will resonate beyond Tamil Nadu and influence the new oppositional politics that has made federalism one of its main planks.