Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has raised a strong demand for safeguards for Southern States ahead of the proposed delimitation exercise. Speaking at the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Mamallapuram near Chennai, Vijay said States that have successfully controlled their population should not be penalised with fewer Lok Sabha seats.

His message was clear: development and population control should be rewarded, not punished.

Vijay also called for a stronger Southern regional framework on issues such as fiscal federalism, parliamentary representation, water disputes, education, infrastructure and economic growth.

‘Don’t Penalise the South’ Over Delimitation

The Chief Minister said Southern States have a genuine concern over the future distribution of Lok Sabha seats.

The current allocation of parliamentary seats has long been linked to population figures, and with discussions around a new delimitation process gaining attention, Southern States fear that their representation could be affected because they have successfully controlled population growth.

Vijay argued that States which have performed well in population stabilisation, human development and economic growth should not lose their voice in Parliament.

He urged the Union government to provide a clear legislative assurance that no State should see its share of parliamentary representation reduced because it successfully controlled its population.

According to Vijay, the Southern States together contribute more than 30% of India's GDP and play a major role in manufacturing, exports, services and innovation.

Vijay Seeks Fair Share for Southern States

Fiscal federalism was another major issue raised by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

Vijay said the next Finance Commission should consider both the needs of States and their performance while deciding the distribution of funds.

He argued that States which have invested in development, maintained fiscal discipline and achieved demographic progress should not be put at a disadvantage.

“The Southern States seek not preferential treatment, but fair and equitable treatment,” Vijay said.

He also raised concerns over the limited financial flexibility available to States after the implementation of GST. Vijay said State governments now have fewer options to independently generate revenue and called for greater flexibility in deciding tax rates.

Vijay Repeats Opposition to NEET

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister once again voiced his opposition to NEET.

He said the examination puts rural and socially and economically disadvantaged students at a disadvantage.

Vijay urged the Union government to allow Tamil Nadu to fill all State-quota seats in MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses based solely on Class XII marks.

Tamil Nadu has been consistently demanding greater control over its medical admission process and has maintained its opposition to the NEET system.

Cauvery and Mullai Periyar Issues Raised

Interstate water disputes were also discussed during Vijay's address.

On the Cauvery issue, he called for the timely implementation of Supreme Court judgments and decisions taken by the Cauvery Water Management Authority.

On the Mullai Periyar issue, Vijay said safety-related decisions should continue to follow judicial directions, including matters related to the dam's water level.

He stressed that interstate disputes should be resolved through legal mechanisms, tribunal awards and court decisions.

Push for Stronger Southern Economic Integration

Vijay also proposed greater economic cooperation between Southern States.

He suggested the creation of common manufacturing zones, multimodal logistics parks, freight corridors and industrial clusters to boost regional development.

He also supported speeding up the proposed Bengaluru Metro extension from Bommasandra to Hosur, describing it as an important example of interstate infrastructure cooperation.

The Chief Minister further highlighted the need for Southern States to work together on building a stronger and more connected regional economy.

Call for Action Against Drugs and Focus on Maritime Growth

Vijay called for a coordinated regional strategy to tackle drug abuse and illegal narcotics.

He sought tighter regulation of online sales of prescription medicines and stronger intelligence-sharing between States to take action against narcotic and psychotropic substances.

The Chief Minister also pushed for greater focus on the maritime economy, including ports, fisheries, coastal shipping, marine industries, maritime services and coastal tourism.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu's 1,076-km coastline, Vijay said the State was ready to work with other Southern States to create a shared vision for maritime growth.

‘Strong States Make a Stronger India’

Ending his speech, Vijay said that differences between the Centre and States should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect and the rule of law.

He stressed that “strong States make for a stronger India”, while calling for fair representation, fiscal autonomy and greater cooperation among Southern States.

His remarks on delimitation and fiscal distribution are likely to add fresh momentum to the growing debate over the future political representation and financial rights of India's Southern States.