D.K. Shivakumar seeks ‘fairness’ for Southern states in devolution and delimitation

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Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, left, in conversation with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, during the 31st Meeting of the Southern Zonal Council (SZC) at Mahabalipuram, in Chengalpattu district, on August 20, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

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.

Speaking on financial strength of the south, Mr. Shivakumar pointed out that the five states accounted for nearly 33% of the country’s GDP despite having about 20% of its population. He highlighted Karnataka as one of the strongest drivers of this growth and said it accounted for 42% of India’s software exports, hosted around 1,100 Global Capability Centres and attracted over 21% of India’s FDI equity inflows between 2019 and 2025. “The State, with 5.5% of India’s population, contributes about 9% to the country’s GDP,” he said.

“Pride demands fairness in return. We have always done our part. We contribute, we build, we grow, and we carry the nation forward. All we ask from the Union government is this: please care as much as we share,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said Karnataka’s share in the divisible pool under the 15th Finance Commission had fallen from 4.7% to 3.6% which he said resulted in an estimated loss of ₹ 65,000 crore to the State over six years.

He also pointed out that the 15th Finance Commission’s recommended special grant of ₹5,495 crore and State-specific grants of ₹6,000 crore had not been released.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, centre, in a photograph with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, fourth left, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, third left, Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, second left, Karnataka Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge, fourth right, Telangana Cabinet Minister Tummala Nageswar Rao, left, and others during the 31st Meeting of the Southern Zonal Council (SZC) at Mahabalipuram, in Chengalpattu district on August 20, 2026. | Photo Credit: X/@CMofKarnataka

While welcoming the increase in Karnataka’s share to 4.131% under the 16th Finance Commission, Mr. Shivakumar said the State’s share should ultimately be restored to 4.7%.