Published Aug 20, 2026 | 11:01 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 20, 2026 | 11:01 AM
N Rangasamy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File picture)
Synopsis: The 31st Southern States Chief Ministers’ Conference, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Kovalam, is bringing together leaders from across South India to discuss inter-state issues, security and development. However, Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy’s decision to skip the meeting, while the UT is being represented by the Lieutenant Governor, has emerged as a key political talking point.
The 31st Southern States Chief Ministers’ Conference, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is being held on Thursday, August 20, at a star hotel in Kovalam near Chennai. The meeting would see the participation of chief ministers and representatives from across southern India.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu are expected to attend the meeting. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will represent the state as Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is on a foreign trip.
However, Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy is not attending the conference, despite being invited. Instead, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kuniyil Kailashnathan is representing the Union Territory at the meeting.
According to sources in the CM’s office, Rangasamy decided to skip the conference as he was unhappy that the Lieutenant Governor was given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the UT instead of him, when all the other states are being represented by the chief ministers.
However, the Raj Nivas has rejected any link between Rangasamy’s absence and the Lieutenant Governor’s participation. It said Kailashnathan is attending the meeting to present issues concerning Puducherry’s development.
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The meeting is expected to discuss several issues concerning the southern states, including inter-state river water sharing, coordinated development, border security, measures to curb drug trafficking, internal security, coastal security, prevention of terrorism and modernisation of police forces.
Several contentious issues involving Tamil Nadu and Karnataka could also come up for discussion, including the Cauvery water-sharing dispute and the Mekedatu project. The meeting is also taking place amid tensions over the death of three farmers in firing by Karnataka forest officials.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is expected to raise issues including Cauvery water sharing, the Mullaperiyar dispute, inter-state river water allocation and funds due to the state from the Union government. He is also expected to seek additional funds for strengthening and modernising the state police force.
While the conference is aimed at strengthening coordination among southern states on security and development issues, Rangasamy’s decision to stay away has emerged as a significant political talking point, particularly as the Puducherry government is led by the NDA.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
