D.K. Shivakumar seeks ‘fairness’ for Southern states in devolution and delimitation
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has called for greater financial fairness and political representation for Southern Indian states. He argued that these states contribute disproportionately to the national GDP and deserve a larger share of tax devolution and a fair approach to delimitation.
Why it matters
This highlights growing regional tensions regarding fiscal federalism and political power distribution between India's economically prosperous South and the Union government.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made a pitch for “fairness in funds, voice and respect” for Southern states, which form the “engine of the Indian economy”, addressing the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council at Mahabalipuram , chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah.
He forwarded the growth argument to demand both better devolution of taxes for southern states and fair representation in delimitation. The Chief Minister urged the Council to adopt a resolution calling upon the Union government to honour the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation, retain the Lok Sabha’s existing strength of 543 seats for the next 25 years, and accommodate women’s reservation within these existing seats, according to a communique by the CMO.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in