FEDERALISM AND IDENTITY POLITICS: MANAGING DIVERSITY AND AUTONOMY

Abstract

Described constitutionally as a “Union of States,” India balances a Governance with autonomy to manage its social, linguistic, and cultural diversity. To accommodate pluralism in context of regional inequalities and development, the federal framework has enabled identity politics. In recent years, linguistic and regional assertions have resurfaced across the country, straining Centre–State relations and promoting Cooperative Federalism with recognition of diverse identities a continuing challenge.