Answer:

In a constitutional set-up based on the federal principles, sovereignty is divided between the federation and the units. Division of sovereignty implies the creation of boundaries, and this is bound to raise disputes especially in a country like India, which is characterized by a diversity of culture, language, heritage and customs.

On numerous occasions disputes between two or more states have arisen and led to unwarranted situations. The most long-standing and contentious inter-state issue has been the sharing of river waters. Due to increase in demand for water, a number of inter•state disputes over sharing river waters have surfaced. For example, Cauvery water dispute between upstream state (Karnataka) and downstream state (Tamil Nadu), Krishna water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka etc.

Further, many boundary issues have cropped up between the states as well. For example, Karnataka and Maharashtra’s claim over Belgaum, tensions between Assam and Meghalaya related to Assam Reorganization Act of 1971 etc. Additionally, there have been violent agitations in some states over migrants and job seekers from other states. This has increased bitterness between the states even further which tends to weaken the roots of healthy federalism.