In a scathing critique at the AICC’s Legal Conclave, Congress MP and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused the central government of weakening cooperative federalism to extend political dominance. Singhvi’s speech highlighted how major governmental schemes are enacting without consulting states, turning financial allocations into politically motivated exercises.
Singhvi accused the BJP-led government of treating states as subordinate entities, rather than equal partners. He claimed, “The Centre today treats states not as partners in progress but as colonies of compliance.” He further accused the government of overthrowing elected administrations using “money, muscle, and manipulation,” denouncing what he termed as “coercive federalism.”
Proposing a roadmap for change, Singhvi suggested it should be grounded in “political courage and constitutional clarity.” He called for the judiciary to go beyond interpretation to intervention, and urged for media freedom from “fear and favour.” Emphasizing the need to connect constitutional values with the common populace, Singhvi stressed making these ideals accessible and lived experiences across India.
(With inputs from agencies.)
