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Ideas of India
Abishek Choutagunta on Federalism, President’s Rule, and Constitutional Design
Oct 31, 2024
Abishek Choutagunta, a PhD in economics and an Emergent Ventures India Fellow, delves into Indian federalism and constitutional design. He discusses the controversial use of President's Rule, highlighting its misuse as a political tool. The conversation explores the complexities of local governance, issues of authority delegation, and the impact of centripetal federalism on state autonomy. Additionally, Abishek addresses the challenges of coalition governments and the implications of the SR Bommai case on political dynamics, revealing deep insights into India's governance structure.
54:07
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Quick takeaways
- The invocation of President's Rule, often motivated by political interests, reveals a troubling pattern of central government overreach in state governance.
- Analysis of historical data indicates that weakened party representation in state assemblies significantly increases the likelihood of central intervention through President's Rule.
Deep dives
Understanding President's Rule in India
President's Rule, derived from Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, grants the central government the authority to dismiss state governments it deems unable to maintain constitutional governance. This provision was established against a backdrop of colonial history and concerns about law and order, with past instances often rooted in political motivations rather than genuine emergencies. The central government exercised this power frequently throughout India's history for political opportunism, leading to questions about the legitimacy behind its application. The discussion highlights the need for establishing clearer criteria for invoking this power to prevent political misuse.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode