New 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, Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Wednesday.
The 25-minute meeting triggered political chatter over the evolving equations between the Centre and the state’s new leadership.
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, India Today reported.
Vijay referred to the controversy surrounding the circular directing Vande Mataram to be sung first at official events, urging 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 the state, with parties arguing over cultural identity and protocol at government functions.
The Tamil Nadu chief minister 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.
Vijay 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 TVK chief 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.
This is being seen as part of Tamil Nadu’s push to strengthen its position in the defence and aerospace manufacturing sector.
Vijay also discussed the increased attacks on and arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. In his petition, the CM said that 58 Tamil Nadu fishermen are currently lodged in Sri Lankan prisons, while 288 fishing boats have been seized.
The CM urged the Union government to take steps for the release of the fishermen and their boats.
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.
Vijay is also likely 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.
