Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi with Opposition chief ministers from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh — who had skipped the last meeting, set to attend. To be convened at Bharat Mandapam, the meeting will focus on how states can be the building blocks in India’s journey to becoming a developed nation.

In July 2024, all Opposition CMs, except West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, boycotted the last Governing Council meeting of India’s top public policy think tank to protest against what they termed a “discriminatory” Union Budget that had been presented days prior.

Banerjee, the sole Opposition participant, exited during the meeting, claiming that she wasn't afforded adequate time to address the gathering.

This time, Banerjee is not anticipated to join the meeting, along with Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, who also missed last year.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin (DMK) had spearheaded the boycott of last year's 9th Governing Council meeting, asserting that the Union Budget entirely overlooked the state. Planning to participate in the meeting this time, Stalin will address the matter of fund distribution to Tamil Nadu.

In a message on X dated May 21, Stalin states, “I will be in Delhi on the 24th to show my support for equitable financial rights for Tamil Nadu at the #NITIAayog meeting.” I will maintain my stance on my policy! I will strive to secure funding for Tamil Nadu.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (AAP), who will also be present, stated on May 22 that he will discuss the assignment of 296 CISF staff to safeguard the Nangal dam with PM Modi during the NITI Aayog meeting.

“The action seeks to appropriate the state’s water by utilizing the central forces.” It signifies that we have our water stolen and are charged for it as well. "We won't permit this," Mann stated.

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On May 21, the Centre approved a team of armed CISF personnel to ensure security for the Nangal dam due to a disagreement between Punjab and Haryana regarding water sharing from the dam.