On Thursday, ministers from five non-BJP-ruled states will gather in Thiruvananthapuram to discuss developmental and financial challenges they wish to present to the 16th Finance Commission. The meeting, hosted by Kerala, is scheduled at a critical time as states face significant hurdles.

Kerala Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal’s office issued a statement highlighting the main objective of the meeting: to present these challenges to the 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, and to explore potential solutions.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the meeting, which will also be attended by Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu.

Historically, opposition-ruled states, particularly from the south, have voiced concerns about the Union government’s tax devolution policies and the loss of tax revenue. In February, these states protested in Delhi, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s economic advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy discussing the possibility of a southern states’ alliance to better represent their position before the 16th Finance Commission. The Commission is expected to submit its recommendations by October 31, 2025.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has also supported Kerala’s efforts to uphold fiscal federalism principles, criticizing the Centre’s use of Article 293 of the Constitution to limit state borrowing capacities.

In Haryana, the final day for filing nominations for the October 5 Assembly elections is expected to be busy. The BJP has announced candidates for 87 seats, while the Congress has named 81. Both parties are experiencing internal discontent, with several senior leaders resigning from the BJP recently.

Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda and wrestler Vinesh Phogat, making her political debut, were among those who filed their nominations. Hooda, addressing a gathering, criticized the BJP government for high unemployment and inflation.

Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi, which began on Wednesday and will continue for two days. The conference brings together transport and aviation ministers, regulatory bodies, and industry experts from across the Asia Pacific region.

The Karnataka High Court will also continue hearing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s challenge to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot’s sanction for prosecuting him in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.