Bring US-type devolution: Vaiko

Responding to a proposal by NDA partner Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) to rename the ‘Union of India’ as ‘United States of India’, the BJP on Saturday said it stood for States playing a greater role in decision-making.

“We are in favour of a greater role to States in decision-making and greater consultation with States even on issues like external affairs, as border States have their own concerns,” BJP national spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said, when the party's reaction was sought to the point made in the MDMK manifesto.

In a coalition, she said, every party would come up with its own views. Mr. Vaiko said the idea was to enable devolution of more powers to the States.