Congress Alleges Vote Suppression, Federalism Erosion on Republic Day
Congress accuses BJP of undermining democratic institutions and eroding federalism.
Photo by Alan Martins
On Republic Day, 26 January 2026, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP-led Union government of systematically undermining democratic institutions and eroding the federal structure. He alleged that the right to vote was being “bulldozed” and federalism had become a casualty of the ruling party’s “double-engine” governance model.
Kharge also criticized the government for attacking the Constitutional rights of MGNREGA workers and dismantling the social welfare framework. He cited CAG reports of irregularities in government schemes and called upon citizens to defend Constitutional values.
Key Facts
Kharge: BJP undermining democratic institutions
Vote suppression: Alleged by Congress
Federalism: Casualty of double-engine governance
CAG reports: Irregularities in govt schemes
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Federal structure, functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Connects to the syllabus on Indian Constitution, Centre-State Relations, and Fiscal Federalism.
Potential question types: Analytical questions on the evolution of federalism, challenges to cooperative federalism, and the role of institutions like the Finance Commission.
Visual Insights
Key Events Related to Federalism in India
This timeline highlights key events that have shaped the federal structure of India, leading up to the recent allegations of its erosion.
India's federal structure has evolved since independence, with ongoing tensions between the Union and States regarding power and resources.
- 1935Government of India Act, 1935: Laid groundwork for a federal structure
- 1950Constitution of India adopted, establishing a federal system with a strong center
- 1990Increased demands for state autonomy and decentralization
- 2017Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), impacting state finances and fiscal federalism
- 2020Debate on the role of Governors and their relationship with state governments intensifies
- 2024Ongoing disputes over resource allocation and revenue sharing between the Union and States
- 2026Congress alleges vote suppression and erosion of federalism on Republic Day
More Information
Background
The concept of federalism in India has its roots in the Government of India Act, 1935, which envisioned a federation comprising British Indian provinces and princely states. However, the true foundation of Indian federalism was laid by the Constituent Assembly, which debated extensively on the balance of power between the Union and the states. Key figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R.
Ambedkar advocated for a strong center to maintain unity and stability, given India's diverse social and political landscape. The adoption of a quasi-federal structure, borrowing elements from both the Canadian and American models, reflected a pragmatic approach to nation-building. The initial years saw significant centralization, but over time, states have asserted their rights, leading to a more balanced, albeit still evolving, federal relationship.
Landmark cases like S.R. Bommai v. Union of India have further shaped the understanding of federalism in India.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increasing debate on the fiscal relations between the Union and the states, particularly concerning the distribution of tax revenues and the imposition of cesses and surcharges by the Union government, which are not shared with the states. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, implemented in 2017, has also altered the financial autonomy of states, making them more dependent on the Union for compensation. Furthermore, the role of governors in state governments has come under scrutiny, with allegations of partisan behavior and interference in state affairs.
The COVID-19 pandemic further strained Centre-state relations, with disagreements over resource allocation, vaccine distribution, and lockdown measures. Looking ahead, the 16th Finance Commission will play a crucial role in redefining the financial architecture of Indian federalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key allegations made by Congress regarding the erosion of federalism, as mentioned in the news?
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the BJP-led Union government is eroding the federal structure through its “double-engine” governance model. He also criticized the government for attacking the Constitutional rights of MGNREGA workers.
2. What is the 'double-engine' governance model mentioned in the context of the Congress's allegations?
As per the news, the 'double-engine' governance model refers to the BJP ruling both at the Union level and in the state. Congress alleges that this model is leading to the erosion of federalism.
3. How might the alleged vote suppression impact common citizens, according to the Congress's claims?
According to Congress, suppressing the right to vote undermines the democratic process, potentially leading to policies that do not reflect the will of the people and impacting their access to rights and resources.
4. What is the historical background of federalism in India, relevant to the current debate?
The concept of federalism in India has its roots in the Government of India Act, 1935. The Constituent Assembly further shaped Indian federalism by debating the balance of power between the Union and the states.
5. What are the recent developments related to fiscal federalism that might be connected to the Congress's allegations?
Recent debates on fiscal relations between the Union and states, including the distribution of tax revenues and the imposition of cesses and surcharges by the Union government, are relevant. The implementation of GST in 2017 has also altered the financial autonomy of states.
6. What are the key facts to remember regarding the Congress's allegations on Republic Day for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For UPSC Prelims, remember that on Republic Day (January 26, 2026), Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of undermining democratic institutions and eroding federalism. Key allegations include vote suppression and attacks on MGNREGA workers' rights.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the concept of 'Cooperative Federalism' in India: 1. It emphasizes horizontal relations between the Union and the States, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. 2. The Inter-State Council, established under Article 263 of the Constitution, is a key mechanism for promoting cooperative federalism. 3. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council exemplifies cooperative federalism by involving both Union and State representatives in decision-making. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. Cooperative federalism emphasizes collaboration between the Union and States (Statement 1). The Inter-State Council under Article 263 facilitates this (Statement 2). The GST Council, with Union and State representation, is a prime example of cooperative decision-making (Statement 3). Therefore, all options are valid.
2. Which of the following committees/commissions have specifically addressed the issue of Centre-State relations in India? 1. Sarkaria Commission 2. Punchhi Commission 3. Rajamannar Committee Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three, the Sarkaria Commission (1983-88), the Punchhi Commission (2007-2010), and the Rajamannar Committee (1969), were formed to review and recommend improvements to Centre-State relations in India. Therefore, the correct answer is D.
3. Assertion (A): The Constitution of India establishes a strong central government. Reason (R): India adopted a federal system to accommodate its vast diversity and prevent secessionist tendencies. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: B
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. India's Constitution does create a strong central government, and the adoption of a federal system was indeed influenced by the need to manage diversity and prevent secession. However, the reason (R) is not the direct explanation for the assertion (A). The strength of the central government is also due to historical factors and the need for centralized planning and coordination.
Source Articles
Congress rally against 'vote chori': Congress seeks to hold govt., ECI accountable; attempt to shield infiltrators, says BJP - The Hindu
Maharashtra elections: Polling underway for Mumbai BMC election, 28 other municipal corporations - The Hindu
Centre says right to vote different from freedom of voting - The Hindu
Congress warns Election Commissioners, threatens strict action over ‘vote theft’ - The Hindu
Why Uncontested Elections in India Violate Voter Rights and Challenge Democracy - Frontline