Vijay Raises State Issues With PM Modi
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday during his first official visit to the national capital after taking office. The meeting focused on key issues concerning Tamil Nadu, including the Mekedatu dam project, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, fishermen detained by Sri Lanka and defence infrastructure.
Vijay Modi Meeting In Delhi
Vijay raised Tamil Nadu’s concerns with the Prime Minister during the meeting and placed several state-related demands before the Centre. The visit marked his first major engagement with the Union government since becoming Chief Minister earlier this month.
He was also scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Delhi visit, where issues related to funds and GST were expected to be discussed.
Mekedatu Dam Project Opposition
On the proposed Mekedatu dam project, Vijay urged the Union government not to permit Karnataka to proceed without the consent of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
He said Karnataka’s move to conduct bhoomi puja for the project across the Cauvery was against the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s final award and the Supreme Court’s judgment. The issue has triggered concern among Tamil Nadu farmers dependent on Cauvery water.
Tamil Nadu Fishermen And Tamil Thai Vazhthu
Vijay also raised the issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lanka. He said 12 incidents had been reported this year, with 58 fishermen still in custody and 266 boats seized.
The Chief Minister also sought clarity on rendering Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the beginning of government events and raised the demand for a defence research facility in the state. He is expected to return to Chennai on May 28.
