Democracy: A Thousand Voices Must Be Heard - P. Thiaga Rajan

“The notion of democracy is that a thousand voices should be heard. We should try and figure out policies; if that doesn’t work, we should recalibrate and readjust.”, P. Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, remarked advocating for federalism in India at ABP Network's "The Southern Rising" Summit.

In the session titled "State of the Union: Why India Needs Federalism," Mr. Rajan shares his insights on the importance of a federal structure in India's governance, said, “When you get economic development, we need to devolute power so that money can go to the local body.”

“There’s an opportunity cost especially in the post-pandemic years, when there is a global demand for investment locations and trading partner to replace China that India should be doing a lot more to capitalize upon the opportunity.” P. Thiaga Rajan asserted, speaking on the economic growth of India. He further added, “There has been more of rhetoric and not enough on delivery. The outside investors should see India as a level playing field.”

“Governance culture of Southern states is different. We have better outcomes because we have different Governance,” P Thiaga Rajan remarked. Further echoing the voice of the Southern States, the MLA from Madurai Central, said, “The South has disparate outcomes and disparate problems; it needs disparate solutions.”

Sharing his observation upon the shared belief of religion in the South, P. Thiaga Rajan, expressed, “Belief in God doesn’t mean putting someone down”

'The Southern Rising' Summit was conceptualized and instituted by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India.  It aims to celebrate the spirit and richness of southern states, united on a singular mission of driving a transformative journey for India. The summit will see keen deliberations and sharing of insights by the movers and shakers of South Indian states and Union Territories.