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Chennai, April 15, 2025 — In a significant political move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced the formation of a high-level committee to recommend measures aimed at strengthening the state’s autonomy within the Indian Union. The move comes amid growing calls for greater federalism and devolution of powers to states.
The panel, comprising legal experts, economists, former civil servants, and constitutional scholars, will examine the existing framework of Centre-State relations and suggest steps that can be taken to protect and enhance Tamil Nadu’s decision-making powers. It will also study precedents, best practices from other federal democracies, and the implications of central policies on the state’s rights.
“The time has come for states to assert their rightful place in the federal structure of the country. Tamil Nadu has always stood for state rights and true federalism,” Stalin said while making the announcement. He emphasized that the state is not seeking secession, but a fairer balance of power as enshrined in the Constitution.
This initiative follows a series of confrontations between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over issues such as language imposition, fiscal allocation, and administrative overreach. The move is seen as a strategic step by the ruling DMK to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to state autonomy — a core tenet of the party since its inception.
Political analysts say the panel could reignite national debates on federalism and possibly influence similar demands from other states. While opposition parties in the state have cautiously welcomed the move, BJP leaders have criticized it, accusing the DMK of pursuing divisive politics under the guise of federalism.
The panel is expected to submit its recommendations within six months.
