Centre-State relations and Punjab politics: Federalism, state autonomy and emerging political conflicts 2016-2026

This paper analyses Centre-State relations in Punjab from 2016 to 2026 through federalism, state autonomy, intergovernmental bargaining, and political conflict. Using qualitative, descriptive-analytical document analysis, it examines agricultural federalism, GST-related fiscal pressures, and Governor-government disputes, the territorial and administrative issues surrounding Chandigarh , the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal, and the expansion of Border Security Force jurisdiction. The study finds that Punjab’s relationship with the Union reflects contested interdependence in which cooperation in procurement, taxation, grants, security, and inter-state matters coexists with disputes over legislative competence, resources, and institutional authority. It argues that contemporary Punjab combines cooperative, bargaining, and confrontational federalism. Stronger consultation, clearer constitutional practice, predictable fiscal arrangements, and institutionalized dispute-resolution mechanisms are therefore necessary to strengthen federal stability while preserving meaningful state autonomy.