Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and discussed a range of issues concerning Tamil Nadu, including the contentious Mekedatu project and pending developmental demands of the state.
The meeting marked Vijay’s maiden official visit to the national capital after assuming office as Chief Minister earlier this month following the victory of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the Assembly elections.
During the meeting, Vijay submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister seeking enhanced central assistance for welfare and infrastructure projects, faster approvals for developmental initiatives and intervention in the Mekedatu water dispute.
The Mekedatu issue emerged as a key subject during the discussions.
Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed Karnataka’s proposed balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu, arguing that it could affect the state’s share of Cauvery water.
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Earlier too, Vijay had written to the Prime Minister urging the Centre not to grant clearance to the project and seeking protection of Tamil Nadu’s water rights under the Cauvery tribunal framework.
The Tamil Nadu government also sought faster clearances for projects linked to urban infrastructure, transport and industrial expansion.
Apart from meeting the Prime Minister, Vijay is expected to hold discussions with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to seek greater financial support for state projects.
He is also likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the visit.
Sources said the Chief Minister may additionally meet senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as part of wider political consultations in the national capital.
Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars before entering politics, formally launched TVK in 2024 and rapidly emerged as a major political force in the state.
He was sworn in as Chief Minister earlier this month after leading the TVK-led alliance to victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
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