The issue of delimitation dominated the Southern Regional Council meeting. In his address, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar demanded the passage of a resolution maintaining the current 543 Lok Sabha seats for the next 25 years. Similar demands were made by the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana.
DK Shivakumar presented the state’s priorities to the council on several issues, including Karnataka’s financial share, central grants, water sharing, women’s reservation, infrastructure, and farmers.
DK Shivakumar said that Karnataka plays a vital role in India’s economic progress. With 5.5% of the country’s population, the state contributes approximately 9% to India’s GDP. Karnataka accounts for approximately 42% of India’s software exports and is home to 1,100 Global Capability Centers (GCCs). He noted that Karnataka also leads in the export of aerospace, coffee, and processed gherkin, while Bengaluru is among the top five AI cities in the world. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief Vijay Vijay Kumar did not demand a permanent freeze on the current 543 Lok Sabha seats.
Shivakumar placed before the Council a demand to increase Karnataka’s share of the divisible tax pool from 3.6% to 4.7%. He stated that the state has lost an estimated ₹65,000 crore over six years due to the reduced share under the 15th Finance Commission. He also demanded the release of the special grant of ₹5,495 crore and the state-specific grant of ₹6,000 crore recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. He also demanded greater central support for the Bengaluru-Mumbai High-Speed Rail, STRR South, AIIMS in Raichur, and a special package for Kalyana Karnataka.
DK Shivakumar also raised the issue of political participation and representation of southern states. He said that the system of using the 1971 population as the basis for delimitation should be respected. He also demanded that reservation for women be ensured without waiting for the census.
Karnataka’s position on water disputes was also presented at the meeting. Shivakumar stated that the Council should move beyond water-sharing politics and pursue water management based on equality, transparency, and cooperation. He called for protecting Karnataka’s legal share and the rights of other riparian states in the Cauvery, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Pennar, and Palar river basins. Describing the Mekedatu project as important, he said it is crucial not only for Karnataka but also for Tamil Nadu. He stated that the water generated by the project will also benefit farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
DK Shivakumar also demanded attention to issues such as financing healthcare, education and nutrition, housing for poor families, coastal erosion, and disaster relief. He also raised issues such as mining, financial rights of mineral-rich states, land ceded by states to central institutions, the judicial system, digital infrastructure, banking and financial inclusion, and assistance for farmers.
He demanded a reconsideration of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Bill, 2026. Shivakumar stated that it is essential to protect the financial rights of mineral-rich states and that such decisions should be made with the states’ interests in mind.
The challenge of growing drug trafficking was also raised at the meeting. Shivakumar stated that the legal, action, and prosecution systems need to be strengthened to combat drug trafficking.
DK Shivakumar stated that a strong South is essential for a strong India. South India is contributing significantly to the country’s economic progress, and therefore, there should be a proper balance in terms of resources, political representation, and respect for the states. He stated that Karnataka is ready to work with the central government and southern states to strengthen cooperation and build a strong India.
Addressing the 31st Southern Regional Council meeting, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief Vijay Vijay Kumar demanded that no state performing well in population control should suffer a reduction in its current representation percentage in Parliament. He demanded a clear legislative assurance from the Centre in this regard. TVK chief Vijay did not demand a permanent freeze on the current 543 Lok Sabha seats.