Vijay, Shivakumar, Chandrababu Naidu on stage: Amit Shah's meeting brings Southern CMs together

Amit Shah is the Chairman of the Southern Zonal Council, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is its Vice-Chairman. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday brought key southern leaders together at the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Tamil Nadu, with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu among those attending.Union Home Minister Amit Shah, centre, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, left, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, right, during the 31st Meeting of the Southern Zonal Council (SZC) at Mahabalipuram, in Chengalpattu district, Thursday, Aug. 20. (PTI)The meeting was held at the Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel in Kovalam, Chengalpet district, and hosted by the Tamil Nadu government. Chief Ministers and senior representatives from the southern states and Union Territories participated in the meeting, news agency ANI reported.Also Read: Vijay hits 100 as Tamil Nadu CM, then goes on a hard-hitting spree with billsThe Southern Zonal Council comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.Deep DiveAmit Shah is the Chairman of the council, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is its Vice-Chairman, the report added.The position of Vice-Chairman is held by the Chief Ministers of member states on a rotational basis, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.What is the role of Zonal Councils?The Zonal Councils are advisory bodies that serve as a platform for the Centre, states and Union Territories to discuss and resolve issues of common interest, ANI reported.Over the past 12 years, since June 2014, 69 meetings of various Zonal Councils and their Standing Committees have been held with the participation of state governments, Central ministries and departments, according to the release.The councils facilitate discussions on disputes and issues between the Centre and states, among member states and Union Territories, and on matters concerning the region.Vijay meets Amit ShahAmit Shah met with CM Vijay ahead of a key meeting with southern leaders today.“Met Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru C. Joseph Vijay in Chennai, ahead of the 31st Meeting of the Southern Zonal Council,” Shah wrote on X.(With inputs from agencies)Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More