Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on 20 August used the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram to press for a unified southern front on drug trafficking, economic integration, Blue Economy development, and stronger federal rights — positioning the region as a distinct and self-aware bloc within the Indian Union.

Key Demands Tabled

CM Vijay highlighted that southern states collectively contribute more than 30 per cent of India's GDP and are home to leading manufacturing, export, and services hubs. He called for the region to operate as an integrated economic bloc, built around manufacturing zones, logistics parks, and freight corridors. He also welcomed the planned extension of the Bengaluru Metro from Bommasandra to Hosur, calling it a template for interstate cooperation, and urged faster execution.

Drug-Free South India Push

Vijay called for a 'Drug-Free South India' initiative, seeking structured intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement against interstate trafficking of narcotic and psychotropic substances. He urged tighter oversight of online prescription medicine platforms and action against unauthorised drug distribution networks — a concern that has grown sharply across coastal and border districts in recent years.

Blue Economy and Coastal Strategy

The Chief Minister placed the Blue Economy at the centre of the South's development agenda. Tamil Nadu, with a 1,076-km coastline, is prepared to co-develop a regional strategy covering ports, coastal shipping, fisheries, marine industries, maritime services, and tourism, he said. This comes amid growing Centre-state interest in unlocking India's maritime potential, with the southern coast accounting for a disproportionate share of the country's seafaring trade.

Fiscal Federalism and Delimitation

On fiscal federalism, Vijay argued that the next Finance Commission's devolution formula must reward states that have achieved growth, fiscal discipline, and population stabilisation — and must not penalise them for it. He sought greater flexibility in setting tax rates within the GST framework. He also demanded a legislative guarantee that delimitation would not reduce any state's percentage share of parliamentary seats as a consequence of successful population control. 'Public policy must not penalise states for fulfilling national objectives,' he said.

River Disputes, NEET, and Federal Rights

On interstate river disputes, Vijay asserted that the rights of lower riparian states must be protected through strict implementation of court judgments, tribunal awards, and statutory mechanisms. He specifically sought timely enforcement of Cauvery water-sharing directions and said the safety and storage level of Mullaperiyar dam — including the proposed increase to 152 feet — must be governed by judicial decisions. Reiterating Tamil Nadu's longstanding opposition to NEET, he asked the Centre to allow state-quota admissions to medical, dental, and AYUSH seats based on Class 12 marks, arguing the national entrance test disadvantages rural and underprivileged students. He concluded that strong states make India stronger and pledged Tamil Nadu's cooperation in resolving differences through dialogue, mutual respect, and the rule of law.