Ten years before the 2017 GST laws, Tamil Nadu, led by Jayalalithaa, demanded key rights in the constitutional framework. This push reflects a long tradition. In India's first Constitution debates (1946-49), leaders Santhanam and Ranga from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh opposed expanding central powers under the Concurrent List. Dr. Ambedkar warned about the Centre overpowering states, saying "we must resist the tendency to make it [the Centre] stronger." Santhanam wanted the Concurrent List limited, while Ranga feared bureaucrats would dominate over state leaders. In 1947, J. Sivashanmugam Pillai, Madras Assembly Speaker and first Scheduled Caste occupant, requested the draft Constitution to review but was denied. This move sparked controversy and was revealed by journalist S.B. Adityan. Critics debated whether provinces should get the draft. Home Minister P. Subbaroyan argued the Centre needed more power to manage the country and international relations, citing the U.S. federal example. Despite calls to delay or discuss, the resolution for early draft access was rejected. These debates show Tamil Nadu's historic firm stand in balancing Centre-State power, a fight lasting through to modern GST challenges.