Tamil Nadu CM Vijay meets PM Modi in Delhi, raises Vande Mataram row during talks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vijay also raised concerns over the increasing attacks on and arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.