The delimitation issue dominated the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar sought a resolution protecting 543 Lok Sabha seats for 25 years. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telangana chief ministers also made similar demands. However, Tamil Nadu CM and TVK chief Vijay did not seek a permanent freeze on 543 seats.
Shivakumar also presented Karnataka’s priorities on funding, central grants, water sharing, women reservation, infrastructure and farmers. He highlighted Karnataka’s economic contribution during his address. The state has 5.5% of India’s population yet contributes nearly 9% of national GDP. Karnataka also accounts for around 42% of India’s software exports. Moreover, the state has 1,100 Global Capability Centres. It also leads exports involving aerospace, coffee and processed gherkins. Bengaluru, meanwhile, ranks among the world’s top five AI cities.
Karnataka seeks higher financial support from Centre
For financial support, Shivakumar sought a higher share from the divisible tax pool. He demanded an increase from 3.6% to 4.7%. He said the state lost an estimated ₹65,000 crore over six years after its 15th Finance Commission share declined. Additionally, he sought the recommended ₹5,495 crore special grant. He also requested the ₹6,000 crore state-specific grant.
Karnataka also sought greater central support for Bengaluru-Mumbai high-speed rail. STRR South, AIIMS Raichur and a special Kalyana Karnataka package also featured among priorities. On delimitation, Shivakumar urged continued respect for the 1971 population as its base. He also sought women’s reservation without waiting for another census.
Water cooperation takes priority over sharing disputes
Shivakumar called for cooperation instead of political battles over water. He sought transparent management protecting Karnataka’s legal share and downstream states’ rights. He specifically mentioned the Cauvery, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Pennar and Palar basins.
He described Mekedatu as important for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. According to him, the project’s water would also benefit farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Healthcare, education and farmers also feature
Furthermore, Shivakumar sought better funding for healthcare, education and nutrition. Housing for poor families, coastal erosion and disaster assistance also received attention. Mining, mineral-rich states’ financial rights and land given for central institutions featured too.
He also raised judicial systems, digital infrastructure, banking and financial inclusion. Farmers’ support remained another key concern. Shivakumar demanded reconsideration of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Bill, 2026. He stressed that mineral-rich states need protection for their financial rights.
He urged decisions that consider state interests. Drug trafficking also emerged as another concern. Shivakumar called for stronger laws, enforcement and prosecution mechanisms.
Shivakumar calls for balanced southern representation
He said a stronger South would contribute to a stronger India. Southern states make major economic contributions, so resources and representation need balance. He also stressed respect for states.
Karnataka, he added, remains ready to strengthen cooperation with New Delhi and southern states. Meanwhile, Vijay addressed the same council meeting with another representation concern.
Vijay seeks protection for states controlling population growth
Vijay asked for protection against reduced parliamentary representation for states controlling population growth effectively. He sought clear legislative assurance from the Centre.
However, Vijay did not demand a permanent freeze of the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats
