Published May 27, 2026 | 6:49 PM ⚊ Updated May 27, 2026 | 6:49 PM
Vijay met Modi at the latter's residence on Wednesday, 27 May.
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for the first time after assuming office and submitted a memorandum on key state issues, including the Mekedatu dam project, ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ protocol, fishermen arrests, and defence projects for Tamil Nadu.
The protocol for rendering the state song, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, and Karnataka’s Mekedatu irrigation project were among the issues that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay raised during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter’s residence in New Delhi on Wednesday, 27 May.
Vijay submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister at his first-ever meeting after assuming charge of the state on 10 May. An official news statement said the issues covered the welfare, concerns and interests of Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Minister is also expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and others during his visit to the national capital.
Also Read: Sidelining ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ for ‘Vande Mataram’ riles parties backing TVK
Vijay thanked the Prime Minister for facilitating the return of the Anaimangalam copper plates to India during the latter’s recent visit to the Netherlands.
The plates from Nagapattinam were reportedly taken to the Netherlands in the 18th century.
The chief minister also raised the issue concerning the rendition of the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state song, at government functions. Vijay pointed out that the state invocation song has traditionally been sung at the beginning of all government functions in the state.
However, following a circular issued by the Union Home Ministry in January 2026, the national song, Vande Matharam, has been played in full first at official events.
The Chief Minister requested the Union government to issue a clarification allowing the state invocation song to continue being sung at the beginning of government functions in Tamil Nadu.
Vijay further urged the Centre to establish a Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Tamil Nadu. Discussions have reportedly been underway with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) over the past few years regarding the setting up of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) design and development centre and CABS in the state.
Also Read: Vijay urges Centre to halt Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam project
The Chief Minister also strongly objected to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s announcement regarding the proposed bhoomi puja (ground-breaking ceremony) of the proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery River.
Vijay stated that the move would be against the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court’s verdict, and would adversely affect the interests of Tamil Nadu farmers.
He requested Prime Minister Modi to direct the Union Jal Shakti Ministry and the Central Water Commission not to approve the project without the consent of the co-basin states Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
Vijay also highlighted the increasing arrests and harassment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. He said that 12 incidents of arrests had taken place in 2026 alone, with 58 fishermen currently in Sri Lankan custody. As many as 266 boats were also seized.
The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the Indian government facilitate the release of the detained fishermen and their boats.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu fishers caught in geopolitical crossfire
Vijay is also expected to meet Union ministers, including Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman, during his Delhi visit.
He may also meet senior leaders of the Indian National Congress, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
