Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah writes to Tamil Nadu counterpart Stalin backing renewed Centre-State relations debate

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah supports Tamil Nadu's Stalin in advocating for cooperative federalism and renewed Centre-State relations.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to his Tamil Nadu counterpart M.K. Stalin expressing “strong support” for initiating a national conversation on Union-State relations, underscoring the importance of cooperative federalism in India’s constitutional framework.

Mr. Siddaramaiah’s letter comes in response to Mr. Stalin’s letter dated February 20, 2026, forwarding Part 1 of the report of the high-level committee on Union-State relations. Mr. Stalin had earlier this month tabled the report of the Justice Kurian Joseph High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Mr. Siddaramaiah emphasised that it is imperative for all States, irrespective of political affiliations, to join hands in constructive federal dialogue. “Federal renewal cannot be a solitary endeavour of one or two States; it must emerge as a collective articulation,” he said, adding that the objective is “not to weaken the Union but to right-size it, to ensure that national energy is concentrated on genuinely national priorities, while States are trusted with spheres constitutionally entrusted to them.”

In a post on X, attaching the letter he addressed to Mr. Stalin, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “Federalism is not a political demand - it is part of the basic structure of our Constitution. Over the years, increasing centralisation in fiscal and legislative matters has disturbed the delicate balance envisioned by our Constitution makers. States must have the authority and fiscal space to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them.”

He said that States must have the authority and fiscal space to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them. “India’s strength lies in cooperative federalism, constitutional trust, and respect for diversity,” he said.

Urging the Union government to provide an institutional platform - such as a revitalised Inter-State Council - for all States to deliberate and restore balance in our federal structure, he said, “Karnataka stands ready to engage constructively in strengthening India’s democratic and federal framework.”