Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday during his first official visit to the national capital since taking office earlier this month. The meeting marked his maiden engagement with the Centre following his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s strong performance in the recent Assembly polls.

Vijay, who assumed office on 10 May after the TVK emerged as the single largest party, raised key state issues with the prime minister, including the Mekedatu reservoir dispute, the repeated detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen, and the ongoing debate over the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu invocation at government functions.

Key issues discussed with centre

According to a government statement, the Chief Minister conveyed “serious concern” over Karnataka’s decision to hold a ground-breaking ceremony for the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery. He said the move violated the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s final award as well as the Supreme Court’s ruling, urging the Centre to intervene and halt any further progress on the project.

Vijay also pressed for decisive action to ensure the swift release of Tamil Nadu fishermen and their boats, which continue to be seized in recurring maritime incidents. He requested the Union government to pursue stronger diplomatic measures to protect livelihoods in coastal districts.

During the discussions, the Chief Minister sought a clear directive allowing the Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu to be sung at the beginning of official functions, noting the ongoing controversy around its usage at central government-linked events in the state.

Guard of honour at Tamil Nadu house

Earlier in the day, Vijay visited Tamil Nadu House, where he was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour. His trip includes a busy schedule of political engagements with leaders across party lines.

Meetings planned with BJP and Congress leaders

Sources said Vijay is expected to call on Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

He is also scheduled to meet senior Congress figures, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge at 10 Janpath. A poster of Vijay alongside Rahul Gandhi was spotted outside the residence ahead of the meeting.

Leaders from the CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML are also expected to meet the Chief Minister at Tamil Nadu House as part of courtesy interactions. The TVK formed the government with their support after winning 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, ten short of a simple majority.

Vijay government secures comfortable majority

The government subsequently proved its majority in the Assembly on 13 May, securing 144 votes in the trust motion. Twenty-two MLAs voted against the motion and five abstained, while expelled AMMK legislator Kamaraj backed the government. In a dramatic turn, 25 AIADMK MLAs reportedly broke ranks and voted in favour of the new administration.

(With PTI inputs)