Chennai, Feb. 19 -- DMK MLA Ezhilan Naganathan criticised the central government's approach to state autonomy, labelling the concept of a unitary approach as a "colonial hangover". Naganathan emphasised that federalism is a basic tenet and fundamental structure of the Indian constitution, citing Supreme Court cases like the S. R. Bommai case.

"They want states to convert as tax collecting units. This is much more worse than the situation what was there during the British era. I regularly quote our Home Minister who says still we have colonial hangovers. I think this concept of unitary approach is a colonial hangover."

He further alleged that the Centre misuses the constitution and called for greater autonomy for states.

"Federalism is ...