New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is unlikely to meet senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the national capital, with sources indicating that no formal appointment was scheduled on Thursday.
According to Congress party sources, the meeting between Vijay and the Gandhi family is now expected to take place sometime next week instead.
Sources told India Today TV that Vijay had expressed his willingness to meet Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday night during his Delhi visit. Efforts were reportedly made to arrange the interaction again on Thursday morning, but the meeting ultimately did not materialise due to scheduling constraints and Vijay’s planned return to Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is expected to leave Delhi and return to Chennai on Thursday afternoon aboard a special flight.
Vijay concludes maiden Delhi visit as Chief Minister
Vijay’s visit to Delhi marked his maiden official trip to the national capital after assuming office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The visit came shortly after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a surprise victory in the April 23 Assembly elections by defeating both the DMK and AIADMK.
Following the election outcome, TVK formed the government with the support of alliance partners, including the Congress and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).
Political observers had closely watched Vijay’s Delhi visit amid growing speculation regarding the future political equation between TVK and the Congress party at the national level.
Vijay meets PM Modi
During his visit on Wednesday, Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed several issues concerning Tamil Nadu.
Among the key matters raised were the Mekedatu dam dispute, the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities and the controversy surrounding the Tamil invocation song.
In a letter submitted to the Prime Minister, Vijay stressed Tamil Nadu’s commitment to national unity and constitutional values while addressing concerns regarding the Tamil Thai Vazhthu issue.
“The people and government of Tamil Nadu hold the National Anthem and National Song in the highest esteem,” Vijay stated in the letter.
He further noted that Tamil Nadu had consistently upheld the dignity associated with national symbols while also preserving the historical and cultural significance of Tamil Thai Vazhthu in public life.
Concern over fishermen arrests
Vijay also urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene regarding the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lanka.
According to the memorandum submitted during the meeting, 12 incidents involving fishermen arrests have been reported so far in 2026.
The Chief Minister stated that 58 fishermen from Tamil Nadu are currently lodged in Sri Lankan prisons, while 266 fishing boats have been seized by Sri Lankan authorities.
He requested immediate diplomatic intervention for the release of the fishermen and the return of the confiscated boats.
The issue of fishermen arrests has remained a recurring concern in Tamil Nadu politics, especially among coastal communities dependent on fishing activities near the Palk Strait.
Talks with Nirmala Sitharaman
Apart from meeting the Prime Minister, Vijay also held discussions with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during his Delhi visit.
During the meeting, he submitted a memorandum seeking priority funding from the Centre for several infrastructure and development projects in Tamil Nadu.
The projects reportedly included:
- Port development initiatives
- National highway expansion works
- Railway infrastructure projects
- Industrial corridor development
Vijay also requested the Union government to establish Institutes of National Importance (INI) in Tamil Nadu as part of the state’s higher education and development plans.
Political significance of visit
Political analysts believe Vijay’s Delhi visit carries considerable significance given the rapidly changing political landscape in Tamil Nadu following TVK’s electoral victory.
Though the expected meeting with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi did not materialise during this visit, sources indicated that communication channels between TVK and Congress leadership remain open.
The possible future meeting is expected to gain importance in the context of alliance politics, Centre-state relations and preparations for upcoming national political developments.
For now, Vijay’s visit has largely focused on presenting Tamil Nadu’s concerns before the Union government while simultaneously strengthening his position as the newly elected Chief Minister.