Dynamics of federal bargaining

Providing a refreshing contrast to studies that focus primarily on the constitutional arrangements between the centre and the states, this study goes beyond to examine the dynamics of their day to day interactions in a wider political context. Focussing on the nature of India's bargaining federalism in the light of both constitutional and extra-constitutional factors that impinge upon it, it revolves around two funda mental questions. First, what are the channels through which centre-state bargaining takes place? Second, what are the factors that determine bargaining strengths between the centre and the states?

Based on both primary and secondary sources, including in-depth interviews with state and central leaders, Ms. Bakhru seeks to examine the above two aspects in the context of the Maha rashtra-Karnataka border dispute. Despite prolonged negotiations and the appointment of the Mahajan Commission, the issue remains unre solved. Ms. Bakhru highlights the fact that despite its constitutional powers to arbitrate, the centre refuses to impose its own solution on non-compliant states. It prefers, instead, to play the role of a mediator and a mediator alone, often relying on extra-constitutional channels like the party framework to conduct centre-state negotiations. She offers insights into how such channels offer an arena for hard core centre-state bargaining in which the states by no means play a subservient role. The actual outcome is certainly not a zero sum game but rather one that is based on a complex interplay of various socio economic and political forces in the states.