Southern states push for increased tax devolution, parliamentary representation freeze

Southern states have intensified their demand for fairer tax devolution from the Centre during discussions at the Southern Zonal Council, while also advocating for a freeze on Lok Sabha seat allocations at the current strength of 543 members. The regional gathering saw states pressing for greater fiscal autonomy and protection of their financial interests, reflecting long-standing concerns over resource distribution across India's federal structure. The push reflects the southern states' position that they contribute disproportionately to national revenue while receiving lower per capita allocations compared to other regions. Beyond fiscal matters, the council meeting addressed broader questions of infrastructure development and economic integration across South and Southeast Asia, with participants emphasizing the need for coordinated regional growth. The demand to freeze parliamentary representation comes amid debates over delimitation and population-based seat reallocation, with southern states concerned about potential dilution of their political voice in national decision-making. State representatives stressed that existing arrangements reflect a carefully balanced federal structure that accounts for demographic diversity and regional development needs.