Last Updated:May 25, 2025, 00:18 IST

PM Modi also held one-on-one meetings with some of these opposition leaders, where the INDIA Bloc CMs presented key demands and proposals

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy met PM Modi in New Delhi on Saturday, May 25. (Image: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met with several Chief Ministers from opposition-ruled states during the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, held in Delhi. The meeting, themed ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047’, brought together leaders from across the country to discuss development priorities and collaborative growth.

Notable attendees from the non-BJP ruled states included, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren.

During the event, PM Modi also held one-on-one meetings with some of these opposition leaders, where the INDIA Bloc CMs presented key demands and proposals concerning their respective states.

Stalin Submits Development Wishlist

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin shared on X that he submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, detailing key proposals for Tamil Nadu’s development and the cause of social justice.

The demands included approval for Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, transfer of Chennai MRTS to Chennai Metro Rail Ltd, expansion of National Highway 32, and the establishment of an AIIMS in Coimbatore, among others.

“Approval for Coimbatore & Madurai #Metro Transfer of Chennai #MRTS to @cmrlofficial Upgrade NH32 (Chengalpattu–Tindivanam) to 6/8 lanes Expansion of Coimbatore & Madurai Airports Establishment of an #AIIMS in Coimbatore Release of funds under #SSA Change in nomenclature of certain communities in SC/ST List (‘N’/‘A’ to ‘R’) Inclusion of SC-converted Christians in SC list Safeguarding fishermen’s rights & expediting release of detainees,” Stalin wrote.

Tamil Nadu CM also urged the PM Modi to consider these with urgency. “We hope the Hon’ble Prime Minister will consider these proposals with due urgency, in the true spirit of cooperative federalism,” he added.

Revanth Reddy Pushes For Several Projects

Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy also took to X after his meeting with the Prime Minister, highlighting his states development priorities.

In his demands, Reddy urged for the completion of Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase 2, speedy execution of the Regional Ring Road, and strengthening of the semiconductor and pharma sectors, among other key projects.

“In addition sought support to further strengthening Telangana’s position in the Semiconductor Ecosystem, including the ISM project. We also demanded liberal Central support for our defence & aerospace ecosystem. Looking forward to a positive response to all our requests from the hon’ble Prime Minister,” Reddy wrote in his post.

Mann Seeks Special Package For Border Districts

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also used the NITI Aayog platform to seek a special industrial package for six border districts — Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Pathankot — citing their economic disadvantage due to proximity to Pakistan. He demanded incentives similar to those provided to Jammu & Kashmir, including freight subsidies, PLI schemes, and tax relief.

Mann also urged the Centre to provide cash incentives for maize cultivation as an alternative to the water-intensive paddy crop. He called for special grants for trauma centres, cyber security, bunkers, and resilient infrastructure in border regions, noting limited coverage under the existing Vibrant Villages scheme.

Reiterating Punjab’s alignment with the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, Mann said the state’s ‘Vision 2047’ aims for over 8% annual GDP growth through industrial and service-led development. He pressed for greater financial devolution, inclusion of cesses and surcharges in the divisible pool, and cooperative federalism in decision-making.

(With inputs from agencies)

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