Union Home Minister Amit Shah Chairs 31st Southern Zonal Council Meeting

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Mamallapuram. The council, a statutory body established under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, includes the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay served as the vice chairman for the proceedings.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Vijay advocated for fair and equitable treatment of southern states by the central government. He emphasized that the southern states contribute over 30 percent of India's Gross Domestic Product and argued that the next Finance Commission's fiscal devolution framework should reward both need and performance. Vijay also called for greater flexibility in tax rate determination following the introduction of GST and proposed the creation of common economic and logistics clusters to attract foreign investment. He specifically cited the proposed extension of the Bengaluru Metro to Hosur as a model for cooperative infrastructure.

Water resource disputes were a primary focus of the discussions. Vijay stated that the rights of lower riparian states must be protected and that Supreme Court judgments and tribunal awards regarding the Cauvery and Mullai Periyar rivers must be implemented. Other national issues on the agenda included education and the establishment of Fast Track Special Courts for crimes against women and children.

Coverage of the event varied by political lean. Center left reporting focused heavily on the specific policy demands and fiscal grievances raised by Chief Minister Vijay. In contrast, center right reporting framed the event as a forum for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the center and the states.