Tamil Nadu CM Vijay meets PM Modi in Delhi, raises Vande Mataram row during talks
TAMIL NADU,MAY 27 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi in a politically significant interaction that came barely weeks after the actor-turned-politician took office and nearly 12 years after their last known meeting.
The meeting, held at Seva Teerth in the national capital, lasted around 25 minutes and immediately triggered political chatter over the evolving equations between the Centre and Tamil Nadu’s new leadership.
During the meeting, Vijay handed over a detailed petition to PM Modi raising a series of key Tamil Nadu concerns, including the Vande Mataram controversy, the Mekedatu project dispute, defence projects and the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
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Soon after the meeting, Vijay arrived at Tamil Nadu House in Delhi, where he received a ceremonial guard of honour during his first official visit to the capital since becoming Chief Minister earlier this month.
VIJAY FLAGS VANDE MATARAM ROW
In his petition, Vijay referred to the controversy surrounding the circular directing Vande Mataram to be sung first at official events.
He urged the Prime Minister to direct the Union Home Ministry to allow the Tamil Nadu state anthem to be sung before Vande Mataram.
The issue has recently sparked political debate in Tamil Nadu, with parties arguing over cultural identity and protocol at government functions.
MEKEDATU ISSUE RAISED WITH PM
Vijay also raised strong objections to Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu project and referred to the reported bhoomi pooja linked to the project as being against Supreme Court orders.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister urged PM Modi to advise the Jal Shakti Ministry and the Central Water Resources Tribunal not to permit the project without the consent of all states involved in the dispute.
The Mekedatu issue remains a major flashpoint between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Cauvery river water.
PUSH FOR DEFENCE PROJECTS IN TAMIL NADU
The Chief Minister also referred to an ongoing DRDO study concerning the AMCA and CABS projects and urged the Centre to establish the CABS facility in Tamil Nadu.
The move is being seen as part of Tamil Nadu’s push to strengthen its position in the defence and aerospace manufacturing sector.
FISHERMEN ISSUE ALSO DISCUSSED
Vijay also raised concerns over the increasing attacks on and arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
According to the petition submitted to the Prime Minister, 58 Tamil Nadu fishermen are currently lodged in Sri Lankan prisons, while 288 fishing boats have been seized.
He urged the Union government to take steps for the release of the fishermen and their boats.
FIRST DELHI VISIT AFTER TAKING OFFICE
Vijay’s visit assumes importance as it comes days after he comfortably won the trust vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly following the dramatic rise of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
According to sources, Vijay is also scheduled to meet Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during his Delhi tour.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is also expected to hold meetings with senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge at 10 Janpath. Posters carrying photographs of Rahul Gandhi and Vijay were seen outside the residence ahead of the meeting.
Leaders from Left parties and the Indian Union Muslim League are also expected to call on Vijay at Tamil Nadu House.
TVK’S RAPID RISE TO POWER
Vijay’s Delhi visit comes against the backdrop of a remarkable political ascent in Tamil Nadu.
His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, emerged as the single largest force in the Assembly elections by winning 108 seats. Vijay later secured the trust vote on May 13 with support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML legislators.
The floor test saw 144 votes cast in favour of the Vijay-led government, while 22 MLAs voted against it and five abstained.
In a major twist during the confidence motion, 25 AIADMK MLAs rebelled and voted in support of Vijay’s government. Expelled AMMK MLA Kamaraj also backed the new administration.
POLITICAL SIGNALS UNDER WATCH
While neither side disclosed details of the discussion between Vijay and Modi, the meeting is being closely watched given Tamil Nadu’s shifting political landscape and Vijay’s growing national visibility after entering electoral politics.
The interaction also comes at a time when regional parties are recalibrating their strategies ahead of key political battles in the South.
-PTI
