TN CM Vijay meets PM Modi, raises Mekedatu dam issue, fishermen arrests, Tamil Thai Vazhthu row, and seeks infrastructure funding for Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where he raised several important issues concerning the state, including the Mekedatu dam project, the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lanka, and the ongoing debate over the Tamil Thai Vazhthu invocation song.

This visit marks Vijay’s first official trip to the national capital after assuming office following his party TVK’s victory in the April Assembly elections.

Key Issues Discussed with PM Modi

During the meeting, CM Vijay strongly opposed Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery river. He stated that the project violates earlier tribunal awards and Supreme Court rulings on the Cauvery water dispute.

He urged the Centre to ensure that the project is not approved without the consent of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, all of which are dependent on the Cauvery basin.

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Fishermen Arrests in Sri Lanka Raised

The Chief Minister also highlighted the issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan authorities. According to the state government, 58 fishermen are currently in custody while 266 boats have been seized. Vijay urged the Prime Minister to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure their release and return of the boats.

Tamil Thai Vazhthu Controversy

Another major concern raised was the controversy surrounding the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state’s traditional invocation song. Vijay noted that the current practice of playing the song after the National Anthem has caused public concern in Tamil Nadu, as it deviates from long-followed protocol.

He requested the Centre to issue a clarification regarding earlier Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines, allowing states to maintain their cultural traditions during official functions.

Focus on Infrastructure and Funding

In a separate meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, CM Vijay submitted a memorandum seeking priority funding for key infrastructure projects. These include metro rail expansion in Coimbatore, Madurai, and Erode, along with development of ports, national highways, railway networks, and industrial corridors.

He emphasized that these cities play a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s economic growth and require strong central support for faster development.

Defence and Research Proposals

Vijay also proposed establishing the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Tamil Nadu. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the DRDO regarding advanced defence projects, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft development centre.