Tea, Smiles and Handshakes: PM Modi's Warm Meet with Opposition Chief Ministers after NITI Aayog Talks

National News: The 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog took place in New Delhi on May 24, 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance as the chair." In this meeting, a common vision for the development of the states was discussed, with the aim of making India a developed nation by 2047. The central focus of the meeting was: “Developed India through Developed States @2047.” Prime Minister Modi on this occasion urged the states to set their development goals by 2047 and work together with the Centre to achieve them. He linked it to the spirit of "Team India" and said that only the collective efforts of the states and the Centre will lead the country towards development. 

Role of states and direction of development

Prime Minister Modi advised the states to prepare their own vision so that the development goals can be achieved by 2047. He said that every state should make plans based on its characteristics and requirements. Apart from this, he talked about giving priority to "minimum poverty" so that every citizen of the country can get basic facilities. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India should emerge as a preferred destination for global investors. He directed Niti Aayog to prepare an "investment-friendly charter" that includes the policies and processes necessary to attract investments. 

Attendance Highlights and Absence of Key Opposition Chief Ministers

Chief Ministers of 19 states were present in the meeting, while the Chief Ministers of 11 states were absent. These included Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Their absence has raised questions about the lack of cooperation between the Center and opposition-ruled states. 

Informal talks between PM Modi and PM Modi

Post-meeting, Prime Minister Modi engaged in off-the-record talks with a number of state Chief Ministers."He shared light-hearted moments and attentively listened to their suggestions for state development. Among those who interacted with him were Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Nagaland CM Conrad Sangma, and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy.