Vijay’s First Visit to Delhi as Tamil Nadu CM: Meeting with PM Modi on Mekedatu and State Initiatives

Vijay's First Visit to Delhi as Tamil Nadu CM: Meeting with PM Modi on Mekedatu and State Initiatives
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, May 27, to address several significant issues affecting the state during his inaugural official visit to the national capital since taking office earlier this month.

In their discussions, Vijay presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister that underscored Tamil Nadu’s longstanding demands. This memorandum called for increased financial support from the Centre for welfare initiatives, infrastructure progress, and industrial undertakings. It also urged for expedited approvals for urban transport, industrial growth, and other critical development projects in the state.

Mekedatu Water Dispute Discussed
A key topic during the meeting was the Mekedatu water dispute. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed Karnataka’s plan for a balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery River at Mekedatu, claiming it could jeopardize the state’s share of Cauvery water. This issue has been politically charged between the two southern states for many years.

Previously, Vijay had reached out to Prime Minister Modi, urging the Centre not to approve the Mekedatu project and to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s water rights within the Cauvery tribunal framework.

Meetings Planned With Union Ministers And Congress Leaders

In addition to his meeting with the Prime Minister, Vijay is anticipated to consult with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to request further financial aid for ongoing projects and to discuss inter-state matters affecting Tamil Nadu. Reports suggest that he may also have a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his trip.

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is set to engage in discussions with senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, as part of broader political consultations in Delhi.

Vijay might also have meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan while in the national capital.

TVK’s Rise To Power In Tamil Nadu

Vijay, the founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10 after leading the party to success in the Assembly elections held on April 23. The TVK-led coalition emerged as the largest faction by winning 108 seats.

The TVK-led government subsequently secured the trust vote on May 13 with backing from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML legislators.

Earlier in the day, Vijay reached New Delhi for his first official visit after assuming office and was received at Tamil Nadu House with a guard of honour. As per reports, Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna and other senior officials accompanied him during this visit. The Chief Minister is expected to return to Chennai on May 28 according to the preliminary schedule.

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