Southern Zonal Council Meets to Discuss Delimitation, Water Rights, and Regional Security

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council on Thursday in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The meeting brought together Chief Ministers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, along with representatives from Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged the Council to pass a resolution to freeze the Lok Sabha at 543 seats for the next 25 years and to use the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation. Shivakumar argued that southern states should not be penalized for their success in population control and that women's reservation should be accommodated within the current number of seats to avoid delays.

Regional infrastructure and resource disputes were also prominent. Shivakumar highlighted the Mekedatu project, asserting that it would benefit farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan expressed readiness to supply all water from a proposed new dam at Mullaperiyar to Tamil Nadu, provided Tamil Nadu handles the design, construction, and location. Satheesan also urged the Union government to annul the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, and raised concerns regarding the funding of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, stating that Kerala bears nearly 90 percent of the burden.

On security and administration, Satheesan proposed a unified enforcement front to combat narcotics trafficking, organized crime, and cyber threats through the appointment of Interstate Police Nodal Officers. Other discussions included the development of Kerala as a Port City under Mission Samudra and the request for toll exemptions for Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses. The meeting concluded with a focus on regional cooperation, while Home Minister Shah visited the ancient shore temple complex in Mamallapuram following the deliberations.