During the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting held in Mahabalipuram on Thursday, Southern states called for a more equitable distribution of financial resources. They also sought enhanced political representation and improved regional cooperation. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay also called for greater cooperation among southern states, particularly on drug trafficking, economic development, the Blue Economy and federal rights.
The Chief Minister raised concerns over Karnataka’s reduced share in the divisible pool of taxes, which fell from 4.7 per cent to 3.6 per cent during the 15th Finance Commission period. He said this resulted in an estimated loss of around Rs 65,000 crore over six years. He also urged the Centre to reconsider the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2026, arguing that it affects the states’ rights to levy taxes on major minerals. With Tamil Nadu having a 1,076-km coastline, he said the state was ready to work with other southern states on ports, coastal shipping, fisheries, marine industries, maritime services and tourism.
Shivakumar said the economic strength of the southern states was central to India’s growth and urged the Centre to ensure that their contribution was matched by a fair share of funds, resources and political representation. Shivakumar said Karnataka’s approach was based on equality, transparency and cooperation, while stressing that the state’s legitimate water rights must also be respected. He said Karnataka would place its specific positions on the Krishna river, the Upper Bhadra project and the interlinking of rivers before the council. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said the Blue Economy should form an important part of the South’s development agenda. On inter-state river disputes, Vijay said the rights of lower riparian states must be protected through the implementation of court judgments, tribunal awards and statutory mechanisms.
The Tamil Nadu government hosted the meeting, which brought together senior political and administrative leaders from across southern India. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay attended the meeting as Vice-Chairman, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. Leaders and senior officials from the participating Union Territories also took part. Key areas include water sharing, inter-state disputes, infrastructure, education, law and order and other matters that need coordination between governments.
Because of successful population control, on delimitation, he demanded a legislative assurance that no state’s percentage share of parliamentary representation would be reduced. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting on August 20, 2026, at the Taj Fisherman’s Cove hotel in Kovalam, Chengalpattu district, near Chennai.
“Public policy must not penalise states for fulfilling national objectives,” he said.
Earlier reporting noted: Amit Shah chairs 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Chennai – what is it and why does it matter? Earlier reporting noted: Also Read: India removes security barricades outside Pakistan High Commission in Delhi after Islamabad action and US envoy Kashmir statement Earlier reporting noted: The Southern Zonal Council meeting is designed to discuss issues that affect more than one state or involve the Centre and states.
