Shivakumar demands fairness for Southern states in funds, delimitation

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday made a strong case for what he called “fairness in funds, voice and respect” for Southern states, describing them as the “engine of the Indian economy.” He was speaking at the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Mr. Shivakumar urged the Council to adopt a resolution asking the Union government to retain the 1971 Census as the basis for delimitation, keep the Lok Sabha’s strength at the existing 543 seats for the next 25 years, and implement women’s reservation within that existing number. He argued that the South’s success in controlling population growth should not lead to a reduction in its political voice.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the five Southern states account for nearly 33% of India’s GDP despite having only about 20% of its population. He highlighted Karnataka’s contribution, saying the State accounts for 42% of India’s software exports, hosts 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,” Mr. Shivakumar said.

On fiscal devolution, he noted that Karnataka’s share in the divisible pool under the 15th Finance Commission fell 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 said that a special grant of ₹5,495 crore and State-specific grants of ₹6,000 crore recommended by the 15th Finance Commission had not been released.

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%. “Karnataka is the second largest contributor to GST and to Income Tax, and a State that performs on growth and revenue deserves to be incentivised, not penalised,” he said.

On delimitation, the Chief Minister said, “We welcome the assurance that no southern state will lose seats. But representation is not only about numbers. It is about weight, and about voice.” He called for the 1971 population basis to be honoured and the South’s representation to be protected both in absolute numbers and proportion.

Mr. Shivakumar also urged the Council to adopt a resolution freezing the number of Lok Sabha seats at the current level while accommodating women’s reservation within that existing number. “I am confident that all the Chief Ministers here will support me in what I say. Let the 1971 basis be honoured, and let the strength of our voice be protected,” he said.

He added that protecting the South’s political voice was integral to ensuring fairness within India’s federal structure.