Fostering Team India for Economic and Tourism Growth

How Did Chief Ministers Respond, and What Challenges Were Highlighted?

The meeting saw participation from chief ministers across the political spectrum, including Tamil Nadu’s MK Stalin, Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu, and Jammu & Kashmir’s Omar Abdullah. Stalin, attending after boycotting the previous three meetings, demanded the release of Rs 2,200 crore in education funds withheld due to Tamil Nadu’s non-compliance with the PM Shri scheme and sought a higher share of central taxes (50% instead of 33.16%). He emphasized Tamil Nadu’s 8% GDP growth and its ambition to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Omar Abdullah proposed measures to revive Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism sector post the Pahalgam attack, including hosting parliamentary meetings in the region. 

However, the absence of West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, who has historically downplayed NITI Aayog’s role, and Bihar’s Nitish Kumar sparked debate. Opposition leaders like Congress’s Channi Singh Sapra and TMC’s Satarupa Roy questioned the meeting’s sincerity, alleging it was more about optics than addressing state-specific grievances, such as delayed funds for West Bengal’s development schemes. These responses highlight the tension between cooperative rhetoric and practical challenges in Centre-state coordination.

Does the Meeting Counter Narratives of a Weakened Federal Structure?

The warm interactions between Modi and opposition chief ministers, coupled with the focus on collective development, directly challenge narratives that India’s federal structure is under attack. The imagery of Modi engaging with leaders like Stalin and Naidu, combined with his call for states to craft bold, inclusive vision documents, projects a collaborative spirit. Modi’s history of engaging with state chief secretaries and ensuring coordination through ministries like finance further supports this. 

However, opposition critiques, such as those from Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, argue that NITI Aayog lacks the authority of the erstwhile Planning Commission and that central funds are often withheld from non-BJP states. For instance, West Bengal’s claim of not receiving Rs 7,000 crore for schemes like MGNREGA underscores ongoing friction. While the meeting’s positive messaging counters perceptions of discord, tangible outcomes—such as timely fund disbursal and addressing state-specific demands—will determine its long-term impact on federal relations. The unanimous condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and support for Operation Sindoor further reinforced national unity, suggesting that shared goals can bridge political divides.