Centre-state relations under Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) Led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Post 2014 elections

Abstract

The adoption of a federal structure in India was viewed as a requirement in order to address the diversity of the Indian situation. The elements of heterogeneity and plurality could be addressed by achieving reconciliation between national and constituent unit identities. In political context balancing the relationship of Union and States become evidently important, particularly after 1975, the time when Emergency was imposed in the Country. The system's dynamism, with all of its checks and balances, causes issues and friction in the functioning of Union State relations. A mixture of pressures caused by such issues may obstruct the system's operation and jeopardise the country's unity and integrity. It is therefore necessary to review the evolution of the Union States arrangement not only to identify persistent problems and seek solutions based on past experience, but also to adapt the system to changing times so that, propelled or moved by the spirit of common endeavour and cooperative efforts, the country moves ever closer to the social welfare goals set forth in the Constitution.” It was expected that conflicts would arise in the working of Union-State relations in India, so some structural devices for conflict resolution between the centre and states were carved out, such as provision of supremacy of the Constitution, independence of the judiciary, judicial Review, and amendment process, among others. However, the built-in system for resolving disputes between the Union and its constituent states proved insufficient. This argument can be expanded upon when the BJP-led NDA gains a majority at both levels post 2014 elections, and the relations may became smooth or as it's earlier.