Question

why is india called a federal state in form but unitary in spirit

Answer 1

Constitution of India has not described India as a federation.  Article 1 of the Constitution describes India as a “Union of States.” This means, India is a union comprising of various States which are integral parts of it. The Indian Union is not destructible. Here, the States can not break away from the union. They do not have the right to secede from the union. In a true federation, the constituting units or the States have the freedom to come out of the union.

Answer 2

Heya frnd!!!!
Ur question seems quite logical. It's absolutely true that India is a federal country and no doubt our constitution had given it the name of a federal state and had made certain norms and regulations to fulfill it. But these all seems to b quite subjective only, bound to the papers. In real sense the spirit is quite unitary.Here in India the central government for sure access more power than the state authorities. The biggest power is in the hand of the centre. U can see it in the form of the emergency situation or presidential rule. Today also the third tier of governor is nominal, not only in existence but also in power sharing. This disturbs the very meaning of the federation of the nation....
Hope u got my point and the answer too....
My plzr to help u...
Thank u...