Three southern Chief Ministers—N. Rangasamy of Puducherry, Siddaramaiah of Karnataka, and Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala—did not attend the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi on May 24, 2025. The session, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on the theme ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047.’ While Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, and Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy were present, the absence of three other key leaders raised political eyebrows. Puducherry’s Rangasamy, despite being part of the NDA coalition, chose not to attend, and no clarity was provided on whether his speech was read out.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah cited a prior engagement in Mysuru, clarifying that his absence was not a boycott. His prepared remarks were sent in writing to be presented during the council session. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan deputed Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal to represent the state—repeating last year’s decision to skip the meeting himself. These absences highlight a growing trend among certain opposition-ruled southern states to either partially participate or avoid NITI Aayog gatherings entirely, often citing political, administrative, or ideological reasons.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin, who had last attended the Governing Council in 2021, participated this year to push for the “fair financial rights of Tamil Nadu.” His attendance came despite criticism from the opposition AIADMK, which questioned the motive behind his Delhi visit. Stalin responded firmly, stating his mission was rooted in ideology and aimed at securing rightful funding for the state. The NITI Aayog Governing Council serves as a key platform where the Prime Minister engages with state leadership to align national and regional development strategies. The visible absence of several CMs, however, underscores ongoing tensions and differing visions between the Centre and certain states.