Review of Constitution needed to make it 'federal': MK Stalin pitches for Opposition unity

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said there is a need for review and re-appraisal of the Constitution. He also pitched for opposition unity across the nation to take on the BJP.

"There is a need for review of the Constitution to make it truly federal," DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Saturday, calling for opposition unity .

Pitching for opposition unity across the nation to take on the BJP, Stalin said, "Individual voices here and there are not much of use. It should be a united voice. It is not enough if we are together only in a few states. We should stand united in all States. We should be an all-India force."

Addressing the CPI's Kerala State conference's session on federalism and Centre-State relations, Stalin recalled the dismissal of elected Left and DMK governments, decades ago, in Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively, by the Centre invoking Article 356 of the Constitution.

Stalin asserted: "There is a need for review and re-appraisal of the Constitution. Until the Indian Constitution is amended to be truly federal, from the current status of quasi-federal, we shall not stop. We must continue to raise our voice and work towards our goal." The Tamil Nadu chief minister claimed that the Concurrent List is completely becoming the Union List."

The powers of the state governments are being re-routed and financial rights were taken away from the states through the GST. Entrance tests like the NEET denied educational rights and the National Education Policy 2020 is an obstructive policy. The NEP is being opposed by his party and government not only because it was designed as a "saffronisation and Hindi imposition policy," but also for preventing states from providing educational opportunities in tune with their policies.

ALSO READ| 'Fake patriotism': MK Stalin hits out at BJP over slipper attack on TN minister

On his Twitter handle, the DMK chief said: "Amid excessive centralisation of powers by Union BJP Govt, the demand for a review & reappraisal of our constitution in order to make it truly federal becomes more important. Our lofty goals can be achieved only if the progressive forces stand united & become an All India Force."