It is an open question whether the opposition to the Sterlite copper plant would have been as vociferous had it been located in a much poorer state, such as Bihar. Tamil Nadu ranks at, or near, the top not just in per capita income but in a range of human development and social indicators. At low levels of income, the trade-off between income and human dignity can be very stark and very poignant indeed. Hypothetically, had the Sterlite copper plant been located in a state governed by one of the two major national parties, the outcome could have been different. The interests and incentives of relatively wealthy regions will differ from those of relatively poor regions, but the political economy will play out differently within states than among states.

Source: Mint June 03, 2018 13:41 UTC