Is a double-engine government crucial for growth?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kerala and Tamil Nadu, scheduled to have Assembly elections soon, and stressed the need for a double-engine government. The term double-engine government refers to having the same political party (in this case, the Bharatiya Janata Party or its allies in the National Democratic Alliance) in power at both the Centre and in a State. Critics of this model include Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has asked how Opposition-ruled States are doing well without a double-engine government. Does a double-engine government ensure growth? Louise Tillin and Yamini Aiyar discuss the question in a conversation moderated by Sai Charan. Edited excerpts:Does the discourse around a double-engine government imply an inherent bias against non-BJP/non-NDA governments in the States? Guests: Louise Tillin is Professor of Politics at King’s India Institute, LondonYamini Aiyar is former President and Chief Executive of the Centre for Policy Research and senior visiting fellow at Brown University Host: Sai Charan Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices