From my observation of the center - state relations, ever since Narendra Modi has become the Prime Minister, there has been a lack of co-operation between them which jumps manifold when the state is governed by the opposition parties. Let me cite a few examples:-
(a) Kerala saying that the central government did not assist the state, post-floods.
Everyone knows the procedure, in that, the state government makes an overall assessment of
the effect of the catastrophe and sends it to the central government which, in turn, sends a
team of specialists to confirm the report on the ground to give a realistic appreciation. The
central government, then, takes a final decision.
There was another controversy that was afloat then, that one of the Gulf countries had
assured monetary assistance of about Rs.700 crores to the state, which was turned down by
the central government saying that India could look after herself. The facts were mired in the
fog of the charges and counter charges between the two and continue to be a mystery even
today!
(b) The chief minister of West Bengal refusing to meet the Prime Minister and his team that was
supposed to take stock of the situation post cyclone while Orissa, though ruled by one of the
opposition parties, went the whole hog and got the assistance too.
It was purely a political stunt in the course of the general elections. Wonder whether West
Bengal has got any assistance subsequent to it?
(c) Much earlier, there was a mismatch of ideas between Punjab and the central governments
over the opening of the Kartarpur corridor.
Again, it had more to do with politics and nothing else!
(d) Many of the chief ministers of the opposition-ruled states kept away from the swearing in
ceremony of Narendra Modi as the PM.
It was politics, politics and nothing but politics!
(e) And now, Kerala's CM Pinarayi Vijayan - he'd also skipped the swearing in ceremony - meets
the PM to voice his disagreement on two issues which were:-
(i) The Niti Aayog has failed to perform its role of a facilitator and not been able to
substitute the erstwhile Planning Commission. He'd stated this at the governing council
of the Niti Aayog, though.
(ii) The management and future development of the Thiruvananthapuram airport must be
handed over to the state because the state will not hand it over to the Adani group, which
incidentally has won the contract through an auction, earlier.
Since when have states said a 'nyet' to a central government's decision?
My take.
In the national interest, it's important that the centre and the states work together despite differing political ideologies. Silly differences must not deter good governance and overall development!
Tailpiece.
Got up at our usual time, went through our chores and were ready well in time. Annie came by and went about her work, taking her own time. The Geeyem Motors had called up to say that our Chevy was ready after repairs and I'd gone, around 1500 hrs, to Puzhakkal to collect the car.
The dents have been straightened out and the Chevy looked good after the new slap of paint and polish but the rain, during the return trip, was a spoiler. There were some events that caused the skipping of my heartbeats :-
(a) The fuel in the tank was so low, that, I drove with bated breath all through the 30 km
back to Guruvayur and headed for the Rajah Petrol bunk to top up fuel.
(b) After checking tyre pressure, as I was backing, I just missed hitting a mobike parked on
my way by an idiotic motorist.
(c) As I was backing from the supermarket, again missed by a whisker, a pick up truck and
a car that sped past despite seeing me maneuvre!
(a) Kerala saying that the central government did not assist the state, post-floods.
Everyone knows the procedure, in that, the state government makes an overall assessment of
the effect of the catastrophe and sends it to the central government which, in turn, sends a
team of specialists to confirm the report on the ground to give a realistic appreciation. The
central government, then, takes a final decision.
There was another controversy that was afloat then, that one of the Gulf countries had
assured monetary assistance of about Rs.700 crores to the state, which was turned down by
the central government saying that India could look after herself. The facts were mired in the
fog of the charges and counter charges between the two and continue to be a mystery even
today!
(b) The chief minister of West Bengal refusing to meet the Prime Minister and his team that was
supposed to take stock of the situation post cyclone while Orissa, though ruled by one of the
opposition parties, went the whole hog and got the assistance too.
It was purely a political stunt in the course of the general elections. Wonder whether West
Bengal has got any assistance subsequent to it?
(c) Much earlier, there was a mismatch of ideas between Punjab and the central governments
over the opening of the Kartarpur corridor.
Again, it had more to do with politics and nothing else!
(d) Many of the chief ministers of the opposition-ruled states kept away from the swearing in
ceremony of Narendra Modi as the PM.
It was politics, politics and nothing but politics!
(e) And now, Kerala's CM Pinarayi Vijayan - he'd also skipped the swearing in ceremony - meets
the PM to voice his disagreement on two issues which were:-
(i) The Niti Aayog has failed to perform its role of a facilitator and not been able to
substitute the erstwhile Planning Commission. He'd stated this at the governing council
of the Niti Aayog, though.
(ii) The management and future development of the Thiruvananthapuram airport must be
handed over to the state because the state will not hand it over to the Adani group, which
incidentally has won the contract through an auction, earlier.
Since when have states said a 'nyet' to a central government's decision?
My take.
In the national interest, it's important that the centre and the states work together despite differing political ideologies. Silly differences must not deter good governance and overall development!
Tailpiece.
Got up at our usual time, went through our chores and were ready well in time. Annie came by and went about her work, taking her own time. The Geeyem Motors had called up to say that our Chevy was ready after repairs and I'd gone, around 1500 hrs, to Puzhakkal to collect the car.
The dents have been straightened out and the Chevy looked good after the new slap of paint and polish but the rain, during the return trip, was a spoiler. There were some events that caused the skipping of my heartbeats :-
(a) The fuel in the tank was so low, that, I drove with bated breath all through the 30 km
back to Guruvayur and headed for the Rajah Petrol bunk to top up fuel.
(b) After checking tyre pressure, as I was backing, I just missed hitting a mobike parked on
my way by an idiotic motorist.
(c) As I was backing from the supermarket, again missed by a whisker, a pick up truck and
a car that sped past despite seeing me maneuvre!
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