Three Aspects to Learn from Southern States: Amit Shah

The 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting was held in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and attended by AP CM Chandrababu, Telangana Deputy CM Vikramarka, Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, as well as the Kerala CM and representatives from several states.

On this occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the gathering. He praised the development journey of the southern states. He stated that high literacy, trained human resources, and technical expertise in utilizing the deep seas serve as the three main pillars of progress for these states. He also commended the people of South India and the governments there for establishing several remarkable traditions in areas such as innovation and increasing revenue sources. He called upon the entire country to learn from South India in these two aspects.

Key issues, allocations, and other matters concerning the southern states were discussed during this meeting. Main issues including the NEET controversy, Cauvery waters, and objections regarding the delimitation of constituencies were brought to Amit Shah’s attention by the Chief Ministers of the southern states. On this occasion, CM Chandrababu made key proposals regarding the comprehensive development of the southern states. He clarified that a permanent solution to problems is possible only through trust and mutual cooperation between the Centre and the states.

Chandrababu mentioned that the share of southern states in the country’s GDP is around 31 percent. He said that by 2047, the economy of the South has the potential to reach 10 trillion dollars. He stated that the South should emerge as a key economic power in building Viksit Bharat. He requested the Centre to quickly resolve the bifurcation issues related to AP. He appealed for Central cooperation for Polavaram, South Coast Railway Zone, Amaravati, Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada Metro, Dugarajapatnam Port, Refinery, and the Kadapa JSW Railway Link.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also raised several issues. Tamil Nadu CM Vijay described that ‘strong states are the foundation for a stronger India’. He commented that cooperative federalism is the foundation of the country’s strength. He called for resolving disputes between the Centre and states, as well as between states, through discussions, mutual respect, and legal methods. He demanded a clear assurance on delimitation. He made it clear that the parliamentary representation of states that achieved success in population control should not be reduced.