The north-south lens
The main article (Editorial page, September 2) risks turning a complex federal question into a simplistic north-versus-south narrative. India’s political influence has never been determined by geography alone; it reflects population, electoral mandates, governance, economic contribution and the ability of States to build national coalitions. The southern States continue to exercise considerable political, economic and institutional influence, while several leaders from the region have shaped national policy. Portraying elected southern governments as “supplicant” or “submissive” is subjective and needlessly polarising. Delimitation deserves rigorous constitutional debate, but framing it primarily as northern domination may deepen regional divisions rather than strengthen India’s federal compact.
Venkat Parthasarathy,
Hyderabad
Austerity call
