Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Autonomy

The article ‘Autonomy for the States, federalism at the Centre’ (Aug. 15) by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi is timely. The simple but effective language in which he has put forth his views speaks to his robust thinking. Mr. Karunanidhi’s narration of the events from the formation of the linguistic States in 1956 to the present time makes for absorbing reading. One hopes that a true federal set-up with more powers to the States will emerge during Mr. Karunanidhi’s life-time.

R.M. Manoharan,

Chennai

Given the prevailing political trend, the call for full autonomy to the States and for federalism at the Centre, a long cherished demand of Mr. Karunanidhi, seems to be justified. Giving full autonomy to the States while holding back control of some key sectors such as the Army, the Railways, banking, water resources, and the departments concerned with the security of India could be considered now.

R. Murali Kumar,

Srirangam

Mr. Karunanidhi’s fervent plea for more autonomy to the States could not have come at a more inappropriate time. A strong Central government is the need of the hour especially when the nation’s integrity and sovereignty are under threat from divisive forces across the country. In any case, Tamil Nadu, perceived as the biggest beneficiary of the UPA government’s largesse in the form of Central investments, should not be complaining of lack of autonomy.

V.N. Mukundarajan,

Thiruvananthapuram

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