New Delhi: C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a politically significant interaction during his visit to the national capital. The meeting, which lasted around 25 minutes, comes just weeks after Vijay assumed office as Chief Minister and has drawn attention amid changing political developments in Tamil Nadu.
The meeting took place at Seva Teerth in New Delhi and was followed by Vijay’s arrival at Tamil Nadu House, where he received a ceremonial guard of honour during his first official visit to the capital after taking office.
Tamil Nadu issues highlighted during meeting
During the meeting, Vijay submitted a detailed petition to the Prime Minister highlighting several issues concerning Tamil Nadu.
Among the matters raised were the Vande Mataram controversy, the Mekedatu project dispute, defence sector projects and concerns relating to Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities.
The Chief Minister reportedly sought intervention from the Centre on multiple subjects affecting the state and requested support in resolving pending issues.
The interaction has attracted political attention because it marks an early engagement between the newly formed Tamil Nadu leadership and the Centre.
Vijay raises Vande Mataram issue
According to details of the petition, Vijay referred to the recent controversy surrounding directives related to singing Vande Mataram at official events.
He urged the Prime Minister to direct the Union Home Ministry to permit the Tamil Nadu state anthem to be sung before Vande Mataram at official functions.
The issue has recently generated discussions in Tamil Nadu involving questions of cultural practices and protocol during government programmes.
Political parties in the state have expressed differing views regarding the matter.
Mekedatu project concern discussed
Vijay also reportedly raised concerns regarding Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu project.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister objected to reported developments connected to the project and urged the Centre not to proceed without the consent of all states involved in the dispute.
The Mekedatu issue continues to remain an important matter between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka due to concerns over water-sharing arrangements related to the Cauvery river.
The matter has repeatedly witnessed legal and political discussions over the years.
Push for defence projects in state
The Chief Minister also sought support for expanding defence and aerospace-related projects in Tamil Nadu.
According to reports, Vijay referred to ongoing studies connected with defence projects and requested that related facilities be established in the state.
Tamil Nadu has been attempting to strengthen its role in manufacturing and technology sectors, including aerospace and defence production.
Officials view such projects as important for employment generation and industrial growth.
Fishermen issue raised with Centre
Vijay also highlighted concerns relating to Tamil Nadu fishermen and incidents involving detentions by Sri Lankan authorities.
According to information presented in the petition, dozens of fishermen are currently detained while several fishing boats have reportedly been seized.
He urged the Union government to take steps for their release and work towards a long-term solution to the issue.
The matter has remained a recurring concern for successive governments in Tamil Nadu.
Political developments under focus
Vijay’s visit assumes significance as it follows recent political developments in Tamil Nadu after his party’s rise in state politics.
Reports indicate that the Chief Minister is also expected to hold meetings with several national leaders during his visit to Delhi.
Observers are closely watching these interactions amid discussions surrounding future political alignments and evolving regional dynamics.
While no official details of the discussions between Vijay and the Prime Minister were disclosed, the meeting is expected to remain a key political development in the coming days.