24-05-2025
Central Funds, Metro & Infra Projects: Demands Non-BJP CMs Raised At NITI Meet With PM Modi
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PM Modi also held one-on-one meetings with some of these opposition leaders, where the INDIA Bloc CMs presented key demands and proposals
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. He 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.
While several southern CMs were present, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Kerala's Pinarayi Vijayan did not attend. Siddaramaiah cited prior engagements and had his speech read out at the meeting, while Vijayan deputed Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal to represent Kerala.
Puducherry CM N. Rangasamy, whose party is part of the NDA, also skipped the meeting without an official explanation.
This meeting was particularly significant as it marked the first major gathering of the Prime Minister with state CMs and lieutenant governors following Operation Sindoor.
(With inputs from agencies)
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