Hyderabad, Aug. 20 -- At the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council (SZC) in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday, August 20, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka pitched for healthy competition among states along with cooperation. He spoke for a council that moves beyond discussion, towards decisions and implementation.

Union Minister for Home Amit Shah headed the SZC, which comprises Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Keralam, and Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.

Offering to host the next edition of the SZC in Telangana, Bhatti said, "If southern India grows together, India grows faster."

He said his state's stance was to defend its interests but also welcome sol...