Vijay, Shivakumar, Chandrababu Naidu on Stage as Amit Shah Brings Southern Leaders Together

Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu, August 20, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah brought several prominent southern leaders together on Thursday as he chaired the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu were among the key political leaders participating in the meeting, which focused on cooperation between the Centre and southern states.

The meeting provided a platform for discussions on issues affecting multiple states, including inter-state coordination, development, infrastructure, security and other matters requiring cooperation between state governments and the Union government.

Amit Shah Chairs Southern Zonal Council Meeting

As Union Home Minister, Amit Shah serves as the chairman of the Southern Zonal Council. The vice-chairmanship is held by the chief ministers of member states on a rotational basis.

The meeting brought together chief ministers, ministers and senior officials representing the southern region. The gathering is aimed at resolving issues through dialogue and improving coordination between the Centre and state governments.

The Southern Zonal Council includes Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Vijay, Shivakumar and Naidu Share the Stage

The presence of Vijay, Shivakumar and Naidu alongside Amit Shah gave the meeting considerable political significance.

Vijay, as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and host-state leader, participated in discussions involving issues concerning Tamil Nadu and the wider southern region. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar represented Karnataka, while Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was also among the prominent participants.

The meeting comes at a time when several southern states continue to deal with issues that require coordination across state boundaries, including water resources, infrastructure, transport, economic development and law-and-order cooperation.

Focus on Centre-State Cooperation

Zonal Council meetings are intended to provide an institutional forum for states to raise common concerns and seek coordinated solutions. The councils were established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and function as statutory advisory bodies.

The Southern Zonal Council’s discussions are therefore significant for strengthening cooperation among the southern states and between state governments and the Centre.

Thursday’s meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for member states to review pending issues, discuss regional development priorities and explore mechanisms for faster resolution of inter-state matters.

Southern Zonal Council Members

• Andhra Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Kerala
• Tamil Nadu
• Telangana
• Puducherry
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Lakshadweep

The gathering of Amit Shah, Vijay, Shivakumar and Chandrababu Naidu has placed the Southern Zonal Council meeting in the spotlight, highlighting the importance of Centre-state dialogue and regional cooperation in southern India.