Federation Versus Freedom

Ambedkar questions whether federalism with its division of powers between the central and state governments can ensure the freedom of individuals and marginalized communities. He argues that in a country as socially fragmented as India—characterized by caste hierarchies economic disparities and communal divisions—federalism might entrench local power structures that often perpetuate oppression. For Ambedkar the primary goal of governance is to safeguard individual liberty and ensure social justice. He emphasizes that freedom cannot be guaranteed merely through autonomy for states; instead it requires a strong central authority capable of enforcing constitutional rights and dismantling systems of social and economic inequality. He is particularly wary of leaving the protection of Dalits and other marginalized groups to regional governments that might prioritize local interests over justice.